The first Rugby World Cup was contested in 1987 and has since been played every four years, with few players having the esteemed privilege of winning the title twice in their career.
Planet Rugby takes a closer look at the exclusive list of two-time Rugby World Cup winners consisting only of Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans.
Dan Crowley
A true veteran of a prop who had a lengthy career in Wallaby gold spanning 10 years from 1989 to 1999. The Queenslander played a big role in Australia’s two World Cup triumphs in 1991 and 1999. Crowley was also an undercover policeman and worked on busting drug-rings on the Gold Coast.
John Eales
Perhaps one of the most famous Australian rugby players ever with the nickname of “Nobody” from the saying “Nobody’s perfect”. The lock, who featured at number eight on the odd occasion, began his career in 1991 with the Wallabies – claiming the title that year – and played 10 years of Test rugby, winning 86 caps. Uniquely Eales was a sharp goal-kicker and is the leading points scoring forward in history with 173.
Tim Horan
Another member of the two Wallabies wins in the 1990s and a brilliant player. The star centre had an 11-year Test career beginning in 1989 and he notched 80 caps during that period. In the late 1980s he burst onto the international scene with some blockbuster performances making him first choice in the 1991 triumph. He would show incredible form at the back end of his career too, walking away with the player of the tournament award in the 1999 win.
Phil Kearns
A tough Randwick hooker who became infamous for some of his chirping and gestures on the field, including telling All Black Sean Fitzpatrick to “Go home to your mummy”. His on-field contributions were huge in his 67 caps over 10 years and two World Cup titles. Another Wallaby legend.
Jason Little
After debuting at the age of 19 the centre quickly grew in popularity after forming a brilliant partnership with Horan in the midfield which proved to be very effective in 1991. However, by 1999 Little played a smaller part in the triumph as he was mainly used a replacement.
Os du Randt
The first of two South Africans on the list. A young Du Randt played a big role in the momentous 1995 triumph which is arguably one of the most powerful World Cup wins in history as it united a nation that had just come out of Apartheid. The rampaging prop struggled with injuries and spent three years out from 2000-2003 but returned to the game and played a key role again in the Springboks’ 2007 win in France.
Frans Steyn
The youngest World Cup winner ever burst onto the scene as a teenager with his versatility and monstrous boot catching the world’s eye. After an early injury to Jean de Villiers in the 2007 tournament, Jake White threw Steyn in at 12 where he flourished. He would become an important member of the triumph. The star would fall out of favour in the years to come but returned as a vital figure for the Springboks’ 2019 win as his versatility allowed Rassie Erasmus to pick six forwards on the bench – a tactic which paid off tremendously.
Dan Carter
The first All Black on the list and one of the best the game has ever seen. The fly-half was supremely talented in every facet and by the time he had won his first World Cup in 2011 he was already well established as a great of the game. The legendary playmaker, however, felt he needed another crack at the tournament as he suffered an early injury in 2011. Carter put all his eggs in one basket for 2015 and powered the All Blacks to back-to-back titles for the first time in history. His performance in that edition of the tournament underlined his sheer class.
Richie McCaw
Easily regarded as one of the best captains the game has ever seen, McCaw became the first player to lead a team to back-to-back titles, in 2011 and 2015. His work-rate and breakdown prowess were second to none as no one else on the planet could compete with him. The double World Cup triumph earned him the New Zealand sportsman of the decade award for 2011-2020. Few will reach the playing and leadership heights of the great flanker.
Ben Franks
A great tighthead prop who played a big role in the record-breaking All Blacks side that defended their title in 2015. He may not have had the influence of a Carter or a McCaw but the front-row is a legendary figure and is deservedly on this exclusive list.
Owen Franks
Brother of Ben and an All Blacks centurion, Owen, who recently joined Toulouse as a World Cup joker, was a quality international tighthead and often sat above his sibling in the pecking order. The younger of the two brothers played a massive role in New Zealand side between the two World Cups, including 13 Tests in 2013 where the All Blacks went unbeaten. The great prop featured in all the knockout games in 2015, powering his side to the title.
Jerome Kaino
One of the hardest All Blacks to play and a man many believe the side has failed to replace since he retired in 2017. Kaino was an extremely powerful carrier and made incredible metres in the contact area. Add to that his breakdown prowess, line-out ability and hard hitting defence. A dream of a loose forward and a key player in both triumphs.
Keven Mealamu
A legend of longevity and one of the most capped Test players with 132 caps, Mealamu was a colossus of the game. After making his debut in 2002 the hooker was there and thereabouts for the majority of his career. A robust figure who rarely faltered in the set-piece and was brilliant around the field. A key player in both 2011 and 2015 after which he hung up his boots.
Ma’a Nonu
The world’s premier centre for most of his career. Nonu’s ability to beat defenders through pace and/or power was truly sensational for a player with such a big frame. His rugby IQ was through the roof and he had the skill-set to match. In 2015 he scored one of the greatest tries in a World Cup final and retired a Test centurion. One of the true greats.
Kieran Read
A powerful leader who took over the captaincy after McCaw retired. Read was an outstanding number eight who was renowned for commanding and inspiring performances. He was one of those players who could get the best out of everyone around him. Powerful yet calm and a memorable figure in the game.
Colin Slade
The versatile star got his break for the All Blacks in 2010 where he served as a substitute for Carter. This would prove vital as Slade needed to step in for his compatriot again in the 2011 World Cup after Carter’s injury. Unfortunately, Slade himself suffered an injury during the tournament. He was also involved in 2015 and won two titles despite only playing for the All Blacks 21 times.
Conrad Smith
The centre had a stunning partnership with Ma’a Nonu and was one of the slickest attacking players around. His ability to understand and beat defensive lines was outstanding. This also translated to his performances in defence where his elevated rugby IQ showed.
Victor Vito
The classy loose forward was always supreme quality and was unlucky to play only 33 Test for his country, but such was the competition for places at the time. Crucially, the back-row found form at the right times, allowing him the chance to go back-to-back.
Sam Whitelock
The only active international player in the group and one who could create history as the most capped All Blacks player of all-time. He could also become the first player to win three titles. Whitelock’s line-out prowess is a cornerstone of his game as is his work-rate which has not faltered despite being 34 years old. He has a chance to write his own history in France.
Sonny Bill Williams
The centre revolutionised the game through his offloading ability which is arguably the best the game has seen. The effectiveness of Williams’ ability to pass the ball in contact resulted in higher focus being placed on ball skills for all positions across the board. After winning his second title he handed a young fan his winners medal after he had run onto the field.
Tony Woodcock
In many ways the Rolls Royce of props. He played a bigger role in the 2011 triumph as he scored in the final, whilst in 2015 he suffered an injury during the tournament. Nevertheless, Woodcock was an incredible scrummager and was no slouch in the carry either.
READ MORE: All the 2023 Rugby World Cup squads and team updates
The article The LEGENDARY list of two-time Rugby World Cup winners appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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