[3] In front of a capacity crowd of 72,500 at the recently completed Millennium Stadium, Australia met France in the fourth Rugby World Cup Final.

Australia were resilient in defence throughout the tournament while France promised an attacking back line full of talent.

The Australian forwards dominated in the loose and their tactic of continually kicking for territory and position proved effective.

Injury and the subsequent substitution of Olivier Magne disrupted the France back row line-up after 20 minutes.

Again the final was hardly a classic match, though the modern approach of effective defensive lines and an outstanding goal kicking display proved to be rewarded.