There are a few rugby teams that have truly left their mark on the sport – the teams who have secured places in the top 6 are as follows.

Below are the 6 best teams in the world: see in brackets the year(s) each team won the World Cup:

• 1^st Australia (1991, 1999)

• 2^nd New Zealand (1987)

• 3^rd England (2003)

• 4^th South Africa (1995, 2007)

• 5^th France

• 6^th Wales

This year the World Cup  was won by South Africa after they beat England in the final in France. Some of the world's best players competed against each other at this high level to try mightily hard to secure the title on behalf of their team and nation. Some of these amazing sportsmen include:

• Jonah Lomu (All Blacks, New Zealand)

• Matt Giteau (Wallabies, Australia)

• Johnny Wilkinson (England)

• Brian Habana (Springboks, South Africa)

• Mat Rogers (Australia)

This past years World Cup was truely a great.  England surprized everyone with their amazing show of guts and determination to make it to the final.  And the World got to see the great talents of Bryan Habana.

What of years past? Who took away the cup, when and where? Have a look at our table below for details on the past winners – and losers – of the Rugby Union World Cup.

World Cup 2007: South Africa (England)

World Cup 2003: England (beat Australia)

World Cup 1999: Australia (beat France)

World Cup 1995: South Africa (beat New Zealand)