Wales at the Rugby World Cup

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Map of nations best results, excluding nations which unsuccessfully participated in qualifying tournaments. Rugby world cup countries best results and hosts rev1.png
Map of nations best results, excluding nations which unsuccessfully participated in qualifying tournaments.

The Rugby World Cup is a rugby union tournament held every four years and contested by the men's national teams of the member unions of World Rugby. The Wales national rugby union team has participated in all ten Rugby World Cup tournaments. Up to and including 2015, hosting of the tournament alternated between traditional rugby heartlands in the southern hemisphere and those in Europe. Wales was the primary host in 1999, with Cardiff's Millennium Stadium built to coincide with the event, and the other three tournaments played in Europe have also used venues in Wales to some degree. Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and its predecessor, the Cardiff Arms Park, will have hosted a total 21 matches over a total of four World Cups. This is the largest number of World Cup games hosted by one venue.

Contents

The 1987 tournament was Wales' most successful; they won all three pool matches and their quarter-final, before losing to New Zealand in the semi-finals. They then faced Australia in the third place play-off match, which they won 22–21. [1] In the next two tournaments in 1991 and 1995, Wales failed to progress beyond the pool stage, winning just one match in each tournament. [2] Both the 1999 and 2003 tournaments were more successful, with Wales qualifying for the quarter-finals both times. Wales hosted the event in 1999 and topped their pool only to lose to eventual winners Australia in the quarter-finals. [3] In 2003, they finished second in their pool to New Zealand and faced England in the quarter-finals, where they lost to the eventual champions, despite scoring more tries than their opponents. [4] In the 2007 World Cup, Wales again failed to progress from the pool stage. After a loss to Australia, and two wins against Japan and Canada, they lost by four points to Fiji, despite scoring more tries than their opponents. [5] At the 2011 World Cup, Wales reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1987. Playing the semi-finals against France, Wales lost 9–8, in a game overshadowed by the 18th-minute sending off of Wales' captain Sam Warburton for a dangerous tackle against Vincent Clerc. [6] At the 2015 World Cup Wales were in the same pool as Australia, England, Fiji and Uruguay. They finished second in the pool behind Australia and ahead of hosts England. South Africa defeated Wales in the quarter-final. In the 2019 World Cup, Wales were in pool D with Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Uruguay. They won all their group matches to finish top of the pool. After defeating France in the quarter-final, they lost to the eventual tournament winners South Africa in the semi-final.

Overall

Rugby World Cup Qualification
YearRoundPldWDLPFPASquadPosPldWDLPFPA
Flag of New Zealand.svg Flag of Australia (converted).svg 1987 Third place6501126104 Squad Invited
Flag of England.svg Flag of France.svg IRFU flag.svg Flag of Scotland.svg Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 1991 Pool stage31023261 Squad Automatically qualified
Flag of South Africa.svg 1995 Pool stage31028968 Squad 1st440015611
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 1999 Quarter-finals420212795 Squad Automatically qualified
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 2003 Quarter-finals5302149126 Squad Automatically qualified
Flag of France.svg 2007 Pool stage4202168105 Squad Automatically qualified
Flag of New Zealand.svg 2011 Fourth place740322874 Squad Automatically qualified
Flag of England.svg 2015 Quarter-finals530213085 Squad Automatically qualified
Flag of Japan.svg 2019 Fourth place7502189147 Squad Automatically qualified
Flag of France.svg 2023 Quarter-finals540116088 Squad Automatically qualified
TotalThird place49300191398953440015611
 Champions    Runners-up    Third place    Fourth placeHome venue

1987 New Zealand & Australia

Pool stage

TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTPtsQualification
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 33008231+51136 Knockout stage
IRFU flag.svg  Ireland 32018441+43114
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 310265902582
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 300329986930
Source: [ citation needed ]
25 May 1987
IRFU flag.svg  Ireland 6–13 [7] [8] Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Pen: Kiernan (2)Try: Ring
Pen: Thorburn
Drop: Davies (2)
Athletic Park, Wellington
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: Kerry Fitzgerald (Australia)

29 May 1987
Tonga  Flag of Tonga.svg16–29 [9] [10] Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Fielea
Fifita
Con: Liavaʻa
Pen: Liava'a
Amone
Try: Webbe (3)
Hadley
Con: Thorburn (2)
Pen: Thorburn (2)
Drop: Davies
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North
Attendance: 19,000
Referee: Dave Bishop (New Zealand)

3 June 1987
Canada  Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg9–40 [11] [12] Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Pen: Rees (3)Try: Evans (4)
Devereux
Bowen
Hadley
Phillips
Con: Thorburn (4)
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Attendance: 14,000
Referee: Dave Bishop (New Zealand)

Knockout stage

Quarter-final

8 June 1987
England  Flag of England.svg3–16Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Pen: Webb Try: Roberts
Jones
Devereux
Con: Thorburn (2)
Ballymore, Brisbane
Referee: Rene Hourquet (France)

Semi-final

14 June 1987
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg49–6Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Kirwan (2)
Shelford (2)
Drake
Whetton
Stanley
Brooke-Cowden
Con: Fox (7)
Pen: Fox
Try: Devereux
Con: Thorburn
Ballymore, Brisbane
Attendance: 22,576
Referee: Kerry Fitzgerald (Australia)

Third place play-off

18 June 1987
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg21–22Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Burke
Grigg
Con: Lynagh (2)
Pen: Lynagh (2)
Drop: Lynagh
Try: Roberts
Moriarty
Hadley
Con: Thorburn (2)
Pen: Thorburn (2)
Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Referee: Fred Howard (England)

1991 UK, Ireland & France

Hosting

England was billed as the main host of the second tournament in 1991, hosting the opening ceremony, and final, though the hosting duties were shared between all countries which competed in the Five Nations Championship. France hosted eight games, England and Wales each hosted seven, and Scotland and Ireland five. The National Stadium in Cardiff hosted the third place playoff, whilst all of Pool C's matches were played in Wales. Wales were scheduled to feature in this pool, and all three of their pool matches were hosted in the National Stadium. One game each was played at the club grounds of Pontypridd, Pontypool and Llanelli.

The following Welsh stadiums were used:

CityStadiumCapacity
Cardiff National Stadium, Cardiff Arms Park 53,000
Llanelli Stradey Park 10,800
Pontypool Pontypool Park 8,800
Pontypridd Sardis Road 7,200

Pool stage

6 October 1991
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg13–16Flag of Samoa.svg  Western Samoa
Try: Emyr
Evans
Con: Ring
Pen: Ring
Try: Vaega
Vaifale
Con: Vaea
Pen: Vaea (2)
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
Referee: Patrick Robin (France)

9 October 1991
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg16–7Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
Try: Arnold
Pen: Ring (3)
Rayer
Try: García Simón
Pen: Del Castillo
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
Referee: Rene Hourquet (France)

12 October 1991
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg3–38Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Pen: Ring Try: Roebuck (2)
Slattery
Campese
Horan
Lynagh
Con: Lynagh (4)
Pen: Lynagh (2)
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
Referee: Keith Lawrence (New Zealand)
TeamPldWDLPFPAPDPts
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 33007925+546
Flag of Samoa.svg  Western Samoa 32015434+204
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 31023261292
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 30033883450
Source: [ citation needed ]

1995 South Africa

Pool stage

27 May 1995
Japan  Flag of Japan.svg10–57Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Ota (2)Try: G. Thomas (3)
I. Evans (2)
Moore
Taylor
Con: N. Jenkins (5)
Pen: N. Jenkins (4)
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Efrahim Sklar (Argentina)

31 May 1995
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg34–9Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Marc Ellis
Walter Little
Josh Kronfeld
Con: Andrew Mehrtens (2)
Pen: Andrew Mehrtens (4)
Drop: Andrew Mehrtens
Pen: Neil Jenkins (2)
Drop: Neil Jenkins
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Attendance: 38,000
Referee: Ed Morrison (England)

4 June 1995
Ireland  IRFU flag.svg24–23Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Eddie Halvey
Nick Popplewell
Denis McBride
Con: Eric Elwood (3)
Pen: Eric Elwood
Try: Jonathan Humphreys
Hemi Taylor
Con: Neil Jenkins (2)
Pen: Neil Jenkins (2)
Drop: Adrian Davies
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Attendance: 35,000
Referee: Ian Rogers (South Africa)
TeamPldWDLPFPAPDPts
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 330022245+1779
IRFU flag.svg  Ireland 3201939417
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 31028968+215
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 3003552521973
Source: [ citation needed ]

1999 Wales

Hosting

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, where Wales play their home games Millennium Stadium North.jpg
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, where Wales play their home games

Wales was chosen by the International Rugby Board as the principal host for the 1999 event. The centrepiece venue of the tournament, hosting the opening ceremony and final was the Millennium Stadium, a new structure built on the site of the old National Stadium at Cardiff Arms Park at a cost of £126 million from private investment. An agreement was reached with the unions of all four rivals in the Five Nations Championship (England, France, Ireland and Scotland), so that, like 1991, the majority of the matches would take place outside the official host nation. In a unique tournament format there were five pools in the opening round. Each of the five unions competed in a separate pool, and acted as host for all of the matches within that pool. All Pool A games were held in Scotland, Pool B games in England, Pool C games in France and Pool E games in Ireland.

Wales hosted Pool D, also featuring Argentina, Samoa and Japan. Four of the pool games were at the Millennium Stadium, with one match each at Stradey Park, Llanelli's rugby stadium, and at The Racecourse, Wrexham, which usually featured Association Football.

Of eleven knock-out games, the Millennium Stadium only hosted three; Australia's defeat of Wales in the quarter-final stage, and the third place play-off and final. The other fixtures were played for at a variety of European venues.

The following Welsh stadiums were used:

CityStadiumCapacity
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Cardiff Millennium Stadium 74,500
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wrexham Racecourse Ground 15,500
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Llanelli Stradey Park 10,800

Pool stage

1 October 1999
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg23–18Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
Try: Colin Charvis
Mark Taylor
Con: Neil Jenkins (2)
Pen: Neil Jenkins (3)
Pen: Gonzalo Quesada (6)
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand)

9 October 1999
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg64–15Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
Try: Mark Taylor (2)
Robert Howley
Scott Gibbs
David Llewellyn
Gareth Thomas
Allan Bateman
Shane Howarth
Con: Neil Jenkins (8)
Pen: Neil Jenkins
Try: Patiliai Tuidraki
Daisuke Ohata
Con: Keiji Hirose
Pen: Keiji Hirose
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Joel Dume (France)

14 October 1999
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg31–38Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa
Try: Gareth Thomas
Penalty try (2)
Con: Neil Jenkins (2)
Pen: Neil Jenkins (4)
Try: Stephen Bachop (2)
Lio Falaniko
Pat Lam
Silao Leaega
Con: Silao Leaega
Pen: Silao Leaega
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Ed Morrison (England)
TeamPldWDLPFPAPDPts
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 320111871+477
Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa 32019772+257
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 32018351+327
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 3003361401043
Source: [ citation needed ]

Knockout stage

Quarter-final

23 October 1999
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg9–24Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Pen: Neil Jenkins (3)Try: George Gregan (2)
Ben Tune
Con: Matt Burke (3)
Pen: Matt Burke
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Attendance: 74,499
Referee: Colin Hawke (New Zealand)

2003 Australia

Pool stage

12 October 2003
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg41–10Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Try: Parker
Cooper
M. Jones
Charvis
Thomas
Con: Harris (5)
Pen: Harris (2)
Try: Tkachuk
Con: Pritchard
Drop: Ross
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
Attendance: 24,874
Referee: Chris White (England)

19 October 2003
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg27–20Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga
Try: Cooper
M. Williams
Con: S. Jones
Pen: S. Jones (4)
Drop: M. Williams
Try: Hola
Kivalu
Lavaka
Con: Hola
Pen: Hola
Canberra Stadium
Attendance: 19,806
Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

25 October 2003
Italy  Flag of Italy.svg15–27Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Pen: Wakarua (5)Try: M. Jones
Parker
D. Jones
Con: Harris (3)
Pen: Harris (3)
Canberra Stadium
Attendance: 22,641
Referee: Andrew Cole (Australia)

2 November 2003
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg53–37Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Rokocoko (2)
MacDonald
Williams
Howlett (2)
Spencer
Mauger
Con: MacDonald (5)
Pen: MacDonald
Try: Taylor
Parker
Charvis
S. Williams
Con: S. Jones (4)
Pen: S. Jones (3)
Telstra Stadium, Sydney
Attendance: 80,012
Referee: André Watson (South Africa)
TeamPldWDLPFPAPDBPPtsQualification
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 440028257+225420 Quarter-finals
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 430113298+34214
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 4202771234608
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 4103541358115
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 40044617813211
Source: [ citation needed ]

Knockout stage

Quarter-final

9 November 2003
England  Flag of England.svg28–17Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Greenwood 44' c
Con: Wilkinson
Pen: Wilkinson (6)
Drop: Wilkinson 80+1'
Try: S. Jones 30' m
Charvis 35' m
M. Williams 71' c
Con: Harris
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 45,252
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

2007 France

Hosting

In a more public bidding process, France beat England to win the right to host the 2007 World Cup. The WRU supported the French bid, in accordance with an agreement between the nations over the 1999 cup. [13] As a result of that agreement, World Cup rugby returned to the Millennium Stadium for three pool matches (including two featuring Wales), and a quarter-final.

Ironically, as France were unexpected runners-up to Argentina in their group, the hosts found themselves competing in this, the only knock-out match held outside of their borders. The game was one of the highlights of the tournament, notable for a large number of reasons, though largely for being New Zealand's earliest exit from a Rugby World Cup, after the New Zealand Herald ran the hubristic headline 'France pose absolutely no threat to All Blacks'. [14] The French squad's reply to the Haka, where the squad dressed in red, white and blue shirts, drew some attention, with a number of images of Sebastien Chabal's stony face appearing in the media the following day. [15] Several controversial decisions by referee Wayne Barnes, [16] provoked death threats from some fans. [17] Statistical analysis by New Zealand company Verusco showed the match's playing time, that is time the ball is in play, was the longest of any of the 1,500 games they had ever recorded. [18]

CityCountryStadiumCapacityFurther reading
Cardiff Wales Millennium Stadium 73,350 Overview

Pool stage

PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDBPtsQualification
1Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 440021541+174420Qualified for the quarter-finals
2Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 430111413622315
3Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 4202168105+63412Eliminated, automatic qualification for RWC 2011
4Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 40136421014613
5Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 4013511206902
Source: [ citation needed ]
9 September 2007
14:00
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg42–17Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Try: Parker 52' c
A. W. Jones 58' c
S. Williams (2) 61' m, 63' c
Charvis 68' c
Con: S. Jones (4/5)
Pen: Hook (3/4) 10', 15', 21'
Report Try: Cudmore 25' m
Culpan 36' c
Williams 45' m
Con: Pritchard (1/3)
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Attendance: 37,500
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

15 September 2007
14:00
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg20–32Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Try: J. Thomas 45' c
S. Williams 76' c
Con: Hook (2/2)
Pen: S. Jones (1/3) 7'
Hook (1/2) 54'
Report Try: Giteau 16' c
Mortlock 35' m
Latham (2) 40+' c, 60' c
Con: Mortlock (2/2)
Giteau (1/2)
Pen: Mortlock (1/2) 2'
Drop: Barnes (1/1) 23'
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Attendance: 71,022
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)

20 September 2007
21:00
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg72–18Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
Try: A. W. Jones 11' c
Hook 24' c
R. Thomas 31' c
Morgan 40+' m
Phillips 42' c
S. Williams (2) 48' m, 80' m
D. James 52' c
Cooper 59' c
M. Williams (2) 64' c, 74' c
Con: S. Jones (5/7)
Sweeney (2/4)
Pen: S. Jones (1/1) 23'
Report Try: Endo 19' m
Onozawa 57' c
Con: Robins (1/1)
Pen: Onishi (2/2) 4', 37'
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Attendance: 35,245
Referee: Joël Jutge (France)

29 September 2007
17:00
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg34–38Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Try: Popham 34' c
S. Williams 45' c
G. Thomas 48' m
M. Jones 51' c
M. Williams 73' m
Con: Hook (1/1)
S. Jones (2/4)
Pen: S. Jones (1/2) 5'
Report Try: Qera 16' c
Delasau 19' m
Leawere 25' c
Dewes 77' c
Con: Little (3/4)
Pen: Little (4/5) 21', 24', 54', 60'
Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes
Attendance: 37,080
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

2011 New Zealand

Pool stage

11 September 2011
20:30
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg17–16Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: F. Steyn 3' c
Hougaard 65' c
Con: M. Steyn (2/2)
Pen: M. Steyn (1/1) 20'
Report Try: Faletau 54' c
Con: Hook (1/1)
Pen: Hook (3/5) 10', 32', 50'
Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 33,331
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

18 September 2011
15:30
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg17–10Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa
Try: Sh. Williams 67' m
Pen: Hook (2/3) 12', 27'
Priestland (2/2) 43', 66'
Report Try: Perenise 40+' c
Con: Williams (1/1)
Pen: Williams (1/3) 21'
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Attendance: 30,804
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

26 September 2011
19:30
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg81–7Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia
Try: Sc. Williams (3) 8' m, 47' c, 70' c
Brew 14' c
Faletau 18' c
Jenkins 50' c
North (2) 61' c, 66' c
J. Davies 62' c
L. Williams 75' m
Byrne 77' m
A.W. Jones 80+' c
Con: S. Jones (6/7)
Priestland (3/5)
Pen: S. Jones (1/1) 3'
Report Try: Koll 53' c
Con: Kotzé (1/1)
Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth
Attendance: 13,710
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

2 October 2011
18:00
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg66–0Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Try: Roberts (2) 6' c, 51' c
Sc. Williams 17' c
North 32' c
Warburton 39' c
Burns 59' c
Halfpenny 68' c
L. Williams 73' c
J. Davies 80+' c
Con: Priestland (5/5)
S. Jones (4/4)
Pen: Priestland (1/1) 21'
Report
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Attendance: 28,476
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBPtsQualification
1Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 440016624+14221218Advanced to the quarter-finals and
qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup
2Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 430118034+14623315
3Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa 42029149+429210Eliminated but qualified for 2015 Rugby World Cup
4Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 410359167108715
5Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia 400444266222500
Source: [ citation needed ]

Knockout stage

Quarter-final

8 October 2011
18:00 NZDT (UTC+13)
Ireland  IRFU flag.svg10–22Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Earls 45' c
Con: O'Gara (1/1)
Pen: O'Gara (1/1) 24'
Report Try: Williams 3' c
Phillips 51' m
J. Davies 64' c
Con: Priestland (2/3)
Pen: Halfpenny (1/1) 29'
Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Attendance: 35,787
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Semi-final

15 October 2011
21:00 NZDT (UTC+13)
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg8–9Flag of France.svg  France
Try: Phillips 58' m
Pen: Hook (1/3) 8'
Report Pen: Parra (3/3) 22', 35', 51'
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 58,630
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Bronze medal match

21 October 2011
20:30 NZDT (UTC+13)
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg18–21Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Try: Shane Williams 50' m
Halfpenny 80+' c
Con: S. Jones (1/1)
Pen: Hook (1/2) 20'
S. Jones (1/1) 71'
Report Try: Barnes 12' c
McCalman 76' m
Con: O'Connor (1/2)
Pen: O'Connor (2/4) 54', 58'
Drop: Barnes (1/1) 68'
Eden Park, Auckland
Attendance: 53,014
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

2015 England

Hosting

A giant promotional rugby ball was placed on Cardiff Castle as part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup 2015 World Cup - Rugby ball at Cardiff Castle.jpg
A giant promotional rugby ball was placed on Cardiff Castle as part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup

In 2009 England were awarded the rights to stage the 2015 tournament. Owing to the proximity of Cardiff, the RFU made it clear that they intended to use the Millennium Stadium as part of its bid, [19] despite initial reluctance from the IRB for multiple hosting nations. [20] The Millennium Stadium hosted eight games in the tournament, more than in any previous world cup. These include two quarter-finals. This made Cardiff the only venue hosting knock-out matches with the exception of England's national stadium, Twickenham, as well as the venue with the second highest number of games. As Wales and England were drawn in the same group, Wales only had home advantage for two of their games, against Uruguay and Fiji.

Cardiff used the World Cup to promote tourism in the city, [21] with estimates that the games would add over £300 million to the local economy. [22] A 'Fan Zone' had been created within the grounds of Cardiff Arms Park with a large screen, for enjoying match days. [23] Cardiff Council has commissioned an art installation to mark the tournament, grafting a rugby ball to the prominent Cardiff Castle, to make it appear the ball has smashed straight through the wall. [24] This was similar to a publicity stunt from the 2007 World Cup, where a rugby ball hung from the centre of the Eiffel Tower. No other such sculptures had been created in the other 2015 venue cities.

CityCountryStadiumCapacityFurther reading
Cardiff Wales Millennium Stadium 73,350 Overview

Pool stage

20 September 2015
14:30
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg54–9Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay
Try: Lee 15' c
Allen (3) 19' c, 30' c, 40' c
Amos 50' c
Davies (2) 60' m, 80' c
Tipuric 71' c
Con: Priestland (7/8) 16', 19', 30', 40', 51', 72', 80'
Report Pen: Berchesi (3/4) 2', 9', 24'
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Attendance: 71,887
Referee: Romain Poite (France)

26 September 2015
20:00
England  Flag of England.svg25–28Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: May 27' c
Con: Farrell (1/1) 29'
Pen: Farrell (5/5) 12', 24', 44', 52', 69'
Drop: Farrell 18'
Report Try: G. Davies 71' c
Con: Biggar (1/1) 72'
Pen: Biggar (7/7) 3', 16', 40', 48', 54', 59', 75'
Twickenham Stadium, London
Attendance: 81,129
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

1 October 2015
16:45
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg23–13Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Try: G. Davies 7' c
Baldwin 32' c
Con: Biggar (2/2) 8', 34'
Pen: Biggar (3/3) 21', 55', 69'
Report Try: Goneva 49' c
Con: Volavola (1/1) 50'
Pen: Volavola (2/2) 14', 38'
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Attendance: 71,576
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

10 October 2015
16:45
Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg15–6Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Pen: Foley (5/6) 25', 31', 37', 51', 73' Report Pen: Biggar (2/3) 5', 34'
Twickenham Stadium, London
Attendance: 80,863
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBPtsQualification
1Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 440014135+10617117Advanced to the quarter-finals and
qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup
2Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 430111162+4911113
3Flag of England.svg  England 420213375+5816311Eliminated but qualified for 2019 Rugby World Cup
4Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 410384101171015
5Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay 400430226196200
Source: [ citation needed ]

Knockout stage

Quarter-final

17 October 2015
16:00 BST (UTC+01)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg 23–19 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Du Preez 75' m
Pen: Pollard (5/7) 9', 13', 17', 21', 62'
Drop: Pollard 52'
Report [25] Try: G. Davies 18' c
Con: Biggar (1/1) 19'
Pen: Biggar (3/4) 15', 47', 64'
Drop: Biggar 40'
Twickenham Stadium, London
Attendance: 79,572
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

2019 Japan

Pool stage

PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBPtsQualification
1Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 440013669+6717319Advanced to the quarter-finals and
qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup
2Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 430113668+6820416
3Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 4103110108+21737Eliminated but qualified for 2023 Rugby World Cup
4Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia 41036512257915
5Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay 41036014080604
Source: [ citation needed ]
23 September 2019
19:15 JST (UTC+09)
(1 BP) Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg43–14Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia
Try: J. Davies 3' m
Tipuric 13' c
Adams 19' c
L. Williams 40' c
T. Williams 65' c
North 76' c
Con: Biggar (4/5) 14', 20', 40', 66'
Halfpenny (1/1) 77'
Pen: Biggar (1/1) 7'
Report Try: Mamukashvili 43' c
Chilachava 69' c
Con: Abzhandadze (2/2) 44', 70'
City of Toyota Stadium, Toyota
Attendance: 35,546
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)

29 September 2019
16:45 JST (UTC+09)
(1 BP) Australia  Flag of Australia (converted).svg25–29Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Ashley-Cooper 21' m
Haylett-Petty 46' c
Hooper 62' c
Con: To'omua (2/2) 48', 63'
Pen: Foley (1/1) 29'
To'omua (1/1) 68'
Report Try: Parkes 13' c
G. Davies 38' c
Con: Biggar (1/1) 14'
Patchell (1/1) 39'
Pen: Patchell (3/3) 33', 37', 72'
Drop: Biggar (1/2) 1'
Patchell (1/1) 44'
Tokyo Stadium, Chōfu
Attendance: 47,885
Referee: Romain Poite (France)

9 October 2019
18:45 JST (UTC+09)
(1 BP) Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg29–17Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Try: Adams (3) 18' c, 31' c, 61' m
L. Williams 69' m
Con: Biggar (2/2) 20', 32'
Pen: Patchell (1/1) 58'
Report Try: Tuisova 4' m
Murimurivalu 9' m
Penalty try 54'
Oita Stadium, Ōita
Attendance: 33,379
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

13 October 2019
17:15 JST (UTC+09)
(1 BP) Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg35–13Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay
Try: Smith 17' c
Adams 49' c
Penalty try 66'
T Williams 74' c
G. Davies 85' c
Con: Halfpenny (4/4) 18' 50' 75' 86'
Report Try: Kessler 71' c
Con: Berchesi 72'
Pen: Berchesi (2/2) 22' 39'
Kumamoto Stadium, Kumamoto
Attendance: 27,317
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Knockout stage

Quarter-final

20 October 2019
16:15 JST (UTC+09)
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 20–19 Flag of France.svg  France
Try: Wainwright 12' c
Moriarty 74' c
Con: Biggar (2/2) 13' 75'
Pen: Biggar (2/2) 20' 54'
Report Try: Vahaamahina 5' m
Ollivon 8' c
Vakatawa 31' c
Con: Ntamack (2/3) 9' 32'
Ōita Stadium, Ōita
Attendance: 34,426
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Semi-final

27 October 2019
18:00 JST (UTC+09)
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 16–19 Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Try: Adams 65' c
Con: Halfpenny (1/1) 66'
Pen: Biggar (3/3) 18', 39', 46'
Report Try: de Allende 57' c
Con: Pollard (1/1) 58'
Pen: Pollard (4/4) 15', 20', 35', 76'
International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama
Attendance: 67,750
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

Bronze final

1 November 2019
18:00 JST (UTC+09)
New Zealand  Flag of New Zealand.svg 40–17 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Try: Moody 5' c
B. Barrett 13' c
B. Smith (2) 33' c, 40+1' c
Crotty 42' c
Mo'unga 76' m
Con: Mo'unga (5/6) 7', 14', 34', 40+2', 44'
Report Try: Amos 19' c
Adams 59' c
Con: Patchell (1/1) 21'
Biggar (1/1) 61'
Pen: Patchell (1/1) 27'
Tokyo Stadium, Chōfu
Attendance: 48,842
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

By opponent

OpponentPlayedWonDrawnLostForAgainst % Won
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 3201565466.67
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 830514718237.5
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 330012336100
Flag of England.svg  England 3201615666.67
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 54011849480
Flag of France.svg  France 2101282850
Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia 22008633100
IRFU flag.svg  Ireland 3201584066.67
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 11002715100
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 330019343100
Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia 1100817100
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 4004691760
Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal 1100288100
Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa 3102616433.33
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 300335400
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 22005636100
Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay 22008922100
Total4930019138293461.22

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