The first Rugby World Cup was played in 1987 , with Australia and New Zealand as host nations, and the venues were the various stadiums in the two countries.
Sixteen Rugby teams were invited from all over the world, as there were no prior qualification rounds. Australia, New Zealand and France were considered as the favourites for winning the trophy. Ultimately after a tough contest New Zealand emerged as the winner in the inaugural meet and France, the runner-up. The participating sixteen nations were divided into four pools with four countries under each pool.
The first Rugby World Cup in 1987 became quite a popular event with the venues spread over the two countries, Australia and New Zealand. The venues were interesting and surrounded with awe-inspiring scenic beauty and landscape features. The first Rugby match was played between New Zealand and Italy at Eden Park, Auckland . Other matches were played in the various venues like Concord Oval , Sydney ; Jade Stadium, Christchurch ; Waikato Stadium, Hamilton; Ballymore, Brisbane; Rotorua International stadium, Rotorua; Mc Lean Park, Napier; Athletic Park, Wellington; Palmerston Nth, Showgrounds; Carisbrook, Dunedin; Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill. The interesting final match between New Zealand and France was also played at the Eden Park, Auckland where France was defeated by New Zealand.
