Rugby World Cup memory lane – 1991

Australia triumph over England in the 1991 final

The 1991 Rugby World Cup will be remembered on these shores predominantly for the hugely controversial knock-on in the final by Australia’s David Campese when England had a clear overlap and Rory Underwood looked certain to score.

The passionate Twickenham crowd and millions watching at home on television bellowed at referee Derek Bevan for a penalty try but it was not forthcoming and a solitary Tony Daly try together with the reliable boot of Michael Lynagh saw Australia to victory.

Prior to the final, England had relied on their forwards and the kicking of Rob Andrew and Jonathan Webb but against the Wallabies they came unstuck attempting to totally change their style to an open, running brand of rugby.

Despite his controversial knock-on, David Campese was one of the players of the tournament, scoring six tries on the way to lifting the trophy. However, it was Australia’s defence that really stood out and a young John Eales emerged as a future star. The six foot seven inch, goal-kicking second row forward went on to be a real force for years to come, captaining his country on 55 occasions.