Five Greatest Rugby Teams in History
Everybody has their opinion on the greatest rugby sides! Over the years, there have been many all-conquering sides that have graced the rugby pitch. They have provided us with top performances, shocks and memorable moments. So, which teams have made it on to our list? Who are these top teams and what were their greatest achievements? Well, we scanned the decades to find such teams and came up with the five teams below.
The All Blacks
Regarded as one of the most successful teams in the sport, the All Black won the Rugby World Cup three times: in 1987, 2011 and 2015. They have also had the most leading test match point scorers. New Zealand has been the number one team more times than anyone else. They appear to have an unlimited resource of Rugby talent and there is no end in sight. They have produced some giants of the game such as Richie McGraw, Sean Fitzpatrick and Zinzan Brooke.
Wales sides of the 1970s
Where do we start? The juggernaut that was the Wales side of the 1970s laid waste to all in their path and managed to win three slams, six titles and were spoilt for choice when it came to talented players such as Terry Davies, Cliff Morgan and Phil Bennett. It is hard to pick out a squad as Wales were solid and they forged a decade of success becoming legends in the process.
South Africa
The Springboks are a force of nature and one of the most feared teams on the international scene. They have won the World Cup on three occasions 1995, 2007 and 2019 where they defeated England in the final. They also play in the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. South Africa has won this competition three times in its history. They have also had their fair share of world-class players such as Bryan Habana, John Smit and Francois Pienaar.
England
England played their first test match against Scotland back in 1871. A game in which they lost, but it was not long before they emerged to dominate rugby amongst the home nations. They have won the Six Nations Championship 27 times with 13 Grand Slams – becoming the tournament’s most successful team. In 2003, they went one better by winning the World Cup in Australia. A last gasp drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson secured the title for England.
The 1971 British and Irish Lions
Carwyn James’s men arrived in New Zealand with the odds stacked against them. But what unfolded over the following weeks became the stuff of legend. They lost their first game against Queensland and seemed to be heading for disaster. But as the tour continued, the lions built up momentum and confidence. The Lions won the series 2-1 against New Zealand and it changed the way that British approached the game.
We have brought you our thoughts on some of the greatest rugby teams down through the years and hopefully, there will be many more classic teams to arise in the future. But until then, you could play Rugby Star slots at Spin and Win!
