It is contested by the men's national teams of the member unions of the sport's governing body, World Rugby, and takes place every four years.

If no team is able to break the tie during extra time, the winner is ultimately decided by a penalty shootout.

Following this, New Zealand controlled the match and tries from David Kirk, John Kirwan and the goal kicking of Fox extended their lead to 29–3.

The pair swapped successful penalty attempts before Stransky gave South Africa a 9–6 lead with a 32nd-minute drop goal just before half-time.

With seven minutes to the end of extra time, Stransky scored a drop goal to secure a 15–12 victory for South Africa.

England responded and scored three penalties by fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and a try by winger Jason Robinson to achieve a 14–5 lead at half-time.

Three penalties from Elton Flatley in the second half allowed Australia to level the score and send the final into extra time.

[11] England reached the final again in 2007, where they faced South Africa, who had won 36–0 when the two teams met during the pool stage.

Nine minutes later, New Zealand's third-choice fly-half Aaron Cruden went off injured and was replaced by Stephen Donald, who had only been called into the squad following injuries to first-choice fly-halves Dan Carter and Colin Slade.

Despite constant pressure from the French for the remainder of the final, they were unable to score more points and New Zealand won the match 8–7 to lift their second World Cup trophy.

Tries from Nehe Milner-Skudder, Ma'a Nonu and Beauden Barrett, along with four penalties, two conversions and one drop goal from fly-half Dan Carter produced a 34–17 win for New Zealand.

[17] South Africa beat England 32–12 in the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup with Handré Pollard kicking 22 points to dominate the English.