On This Day In 1991, Australia Win The Rugby World Cup

On this day, 2 November 1991, Australia beat England 12-6 in the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham.

Nick Farr-Jones lifted the William Webb Ellis Cup after the win after Prop Tony Daly was the beneficiary of try with Michael Lynagh starring with the boot with a conversion and two penalties.

In the Australian second-row was John Eales, who would lift the trophy as skipper eight years later in Cardiff.

The final was not the classic many had hoped for, aside from two major turning points. The first came in the opening half when the mighty Willie Ofahengaue broke from the line-out, ripping through the English defence in the process. As the Wallaby forwards burrowed towards the opposition line, Tony Daly pounced across for the four points.

Facing a 12-3 deficit, England boasted a clear overlap but David Campese pounced to knock forward a pass to the open Rory Underwood. Referee Derek Bevan opted for a penalty despite arguments from the English camp for a penalty try. To this day, the argument drags on.

David Campese was the player of the tournament with six tries.