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World Cup greats
GAVIN HASTINGS (Scotland)The Watsonians and British Lions stalwart may not have been one of the most spectacular full-backs in rugby history, but there is no denying his place among the game's greats. He still holds the record for most finals points at 227, recorded in the first three tournaments from 1987 to 1995 - although, somewhat harshly, he may best be remembered for missing a potentially match-winning and by his standards simple penalty in the 1991 semi-final against England. His unenviable feat of having set two individual match points records, only to have them both narrowly beaten on the same day, in 1987 and 1995, will surely never be repeated.
DAVID CAMPESE (Australia)
Quite possibly the greatest winger ever to play the game, outspoken Campese's impact on the World Cup was suitably immense. Injury hampered him in 1987 but four years later it was his tournament. The former sawmill worker plundered six tries in 1991, including one beauty in the semi-final win over New Zealand - a match in which he famously set up Tim Horan for another touchdown with a magnificent over-the-shoulder pass. Ahead of the final he goaded England into changing their tactics and the Aussies claimed a narrow win, thanks in no small part to what appeared a deliberate knock-on by 'Campo' as England seemed certain to score in the corner. He was past his best by 1995 but his legacy was already secure.
JONAH LOMU (New Zealand)
Going into the 1995 finals in South Africa Lomu was largely unknown outside his homeland after fitness problems had restricted his appearances following a debut, aged 19, a year earlier. Seven tries later, including four against a bewildered England in the semi-finals, the first rugby megastar had been born. His now well-documented kidney problems and injuries meant the following years were largely disappointing, until he spectacularly bounced back in the 1999 tournament, when he mustered eight tries in total. Although the disappointing semi-final defeat to France at Twickenham would prove to be his last finals outing, his two tries meant even that was a personal triumph.
JOHN EALES (Australia)
One of only five men to win the trophy twice - along with Tim Horan, Dan Crowley, Phil Kearns and Jason Little - in 1991 and 1999, lifting the cup as captain on the latter occasion. The esteem in which the lanky lock was held by his team-mates was reflected in his nickname 'Nobody' - because Nobody's perfect. Handed his debut shortly before the '91 tournament, Eales' brilliance as a line-out jumper proved vital to the Aussies' success and would be a feature of his play until he retired 10 years later. His all-round ability meant that he was sometimes used as a goal-kicker, and his 173 points from 86 Tests is a world record for a forward.
FRANCOIS PIENAAR (South Africa)
The sight of the beaming Transvaal flanker lifting the Webb Ellis trophy at, fittingly enough, Ellis Park in 1995, as an equally jubilant Nelson Mandela looked on, is possibly the greatest image in modern rugby history. Not long out of apartheid-induced isolation, the Springboks were not among the favourites going into the competition, but under the indefatigable leadership of born general Pienaar they made it to the final. Against the Lomu-inspired All Blacks they were again massive underdogs, but in what turned into a war of attrition in Johannesburg the captain's unerring determination helped to see his men through.
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