Japan celebrating their famous win over South Africa. (Getty Images)
Western Samoa 16 def. Wales 13 - 1991 pool stage
Minnows Western Samoa managed to pull off what was considered the first major upset in Cup history after defeating the Welsh. ''Thank heavens Wales weren't playing the whole of Samoa'' was the famous line that summarised the pool match in Cardiff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLYBIkwJfjU
South Africa 15 def. New Zealand 12 - 1995 final
After decades of politics mixing with sport, South Africa was able to unite and put the past behind it ... while looking towards the future. The Springboks weren't fancied to win the tournament on home soil, but with the spirit of a new, reidentified nation, South Africa did do at its first attempt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JKPN9xBcNI
Wales 31 def. Samoa 38 - 1999 pool stage
You'd think the Welsh would've learnt from their mistakes on home soil eight years before, but the Samoans became the first visiting team to win at Wales' new Millennium Stadium. Unlike the 1991 game, though, this match was a spectacle, consisting of fast-paced, running rugby.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Iz0sY7mXc
France 43 def. New Zealand 31 - 1999 semi-final
After finishing the 1999 Five Nations campaign in last place, the French defied the odds just to make it into the semi-finals! No one gave them hope against their much-fancied opponents New Zealand, especially with them down 24-10. Les Bleus, though, scored 33 points during a magical 26-minute spell to leave a capacity crowd at Twickenham stunned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw-9ZMfwiIc
Japan 34 def. South Africa 32 - 2015 pool stage
Considered the greatest upset in Rugby World Cup history. The Japanese weren't given any hope by anyone across the rugby world, especially heading into a match against two-time champions South Africa. Despite already winning many admirers through their hard running, fast pace and tough rugby, it seemed like the Japanese were about to fall short. Still, in what was already a morale victory, the Cherry Blossoms wanted the win and ignored the chance to level the match with penalty goals. Instead, they went for the jugular and scored after the siren for a famous victory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ghArmsJjQM
