1987 Australia/New Zealand
Warmest memories: the sheer, wide-eyed innocence of it all, as rugby union lurched forwards into its new era; commercially and technically, it was still in the foothills; also, the exploits of the lesser-known nations as we got a first, proper glimpse of the likes of Zimbabwe and Italy on the world stage
Champions: New Zealand, grim old bunch but deserving and years ahead of their rivals in terms of preparation
1991 England (also in Ireland, France, Scotland and Wales)
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Warmest memories: the knowledge that the tournament was reaching the hearts of parts of the nation; the dumping of the grumpy All Blacks by the popular, David Campese-driven Wallabies; the sensational win by Western Samoa over Wales; and Will Carling’s England motoring to the final
Champions: Australia, immaculate play and PR, led by coach Bob Dwyer, captain Nick Farr-Jones, and the great Campese
1995 South Africa
Warmest memories: in the dangerous vibrancy of the immediate post-apartheid era, almost too many to mention. There was the nation coming together behind the Springboks and, obviously, the gloriously symbolic and arresting sight of Nelson Mandela wearing the Springbok jersey as he presented the trophy to Francois Pienaar. And who can forget Jonah Lomu bursting through defenders and on to the world stage to give us the first global star of the professional era?
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Champions: South Africa, more by destiny than rugby greatness
1999 Wales (also in England, Ireland, Scotland and France)
Warmest memories: the staggering comeback of France in the semi-final at Twickenham, which summarily ejected poor old New Zealand. The Millennium stadium itself, finished just in time, took its place as the finest in the sport, and was where Wales again contrived to lose to Western Samoa. But it was no classic World Cup
Champions: Australia, by defending better than the rest — they conceded just one try, against the USA, in the whole tournament
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2003 Australia
Warmest memories: too many to mention as Australia triumphantly confirmed that World Cups must be concentrated in one country. The backdrop and enthusiasm provided by the whole home nation stood out, as did the final devastating thrust against the Wallabies by Martin Johnson and the soon-to-be sporting god Jonny Wilkinson. English rugby grew mightily in the aftermath — the world game would never be the same
Champions: Sir Clive Woodward’s England, after the only great final to date
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2007 France
Warmest memories: taking the TGV down to Marseilles, where lame old England rose from the grave to crush Australia in the quarter-finals and where, on television from Cardiff, we saw lame old France somehow beat arrogant New Zealand. Marseilles harbour that night hosted the biggest sporting party in history. Argentina, who finished third, deserve an honourable mention
Champions: South Africa, seeing off resurgent England after nearly 50,000 English supporters made a late run to Paris for the final
2011 New Zealand
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Warmest memories: no rugby classic but great times in the tiny out-grounds. The welcome there made up in humanity for some of what was lost financially
Champions: New Zealand, led by Richie McCaw, who eventually panicked their way through the fractured final