Global Partners
  • RWC 1999: New Zealand v France
  • RWC 2011: Russia v Italy Russia's Vasily Artemyev takes on the Italian defence at RWC 2011.
  • RWC 2011 - Wales v France Referee Alain Rolland of Ireland gives a red card to Wales' flanker Sam Warburton (not pictured) during the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-fianl match Wales vs France at the Eden Park in Auckland on October 15, 2011. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
  • Juan Figallo - Argentina The Argentina front row of Juan Figallo, along with (hidden) Mario Ledesma and Rodrigo Roncero prepare to scrummage during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Argentina and Scotland at Wellington Regional Stadium on September 25, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand
  • CHAMPIONS: Richie McCaw proudly holds aloft the Webb Ellis Cup after New Zealand defeat France in the Rugby World Cup Final in Auckland in October 2011
  • Richie McCaw and Thierry Dusatoir All Black flanker Richie McCaw (R) is tackled by France's center Maxime Mermoz (C) and flanker Thierry Dusautoir (L) during the 2011 Rugby World Cup pool A match New Zealand vs France at Eden Park in Auckland on September 24, 2011.
  • Thierry Dusatoir and Dave EEllis - France France captain Thierry Dusatoir receives instructins from defence coach Dave Ellis at RWC 2011.
  • Vincent Clerc - France Vincent Clerc celebrates scoring against England in the quarter-finals of RWC 2011.
  • Soane Tonga'uiha - Tonga Prop Soane Tonga'uiha of Tonga charges upfield during the IRB 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between France and Tonga at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 1, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.
  • Lionel Nallet - France Lionel Nallet of France in action during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final match between France and New Zealand at Eden Park on October 23, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand
  • Canada v Tonga Canada v Tonga at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand
  • New Zealand v France at RWC 2011 New Zealand lift the Webb Ellis Cup after defeating France in the Final of RWC 2011 in New Zealand.
  • USA fans at Rugby World Cup 2011 USA fans gets ready for the Eagles' clash against Australia at Rugby World Cup 2011.
  • Georgia v Romania Georgia and Romania prepare to scrum down during a pool phase match at Rugby World Cup 2011.
  • Japan at Rugby World Cup 2011 Japan players celebrate scoring a try during a Rugby World Cup 2011 match.
  • France v England at Rugby World Cup 2011 Vincent Clerc celebrates scoring for France against England at Rugby World Cup 2011.
  • France v Wales at Rugby World Cup 2011 France prepare to scrum down against Wales during a Rugby World Cup 2011 semi-final.
  • Samoa at Rugby World Cup 2011 Samoa in prayer after a Rugby World Cup 2011 match.
  • Ireland v Italy at Rugby World Cup 2011 Ireland close in on the try line during a Rugby World Cup 2011 match against Italy.
  • England v Romania at Rugby World Cup 2011 Ben Youngs makes a break during a Rugby World Cup 2011 match against Romania.
  • USA v Russia at Rugby World Cup 2011 USA captain Todd Clever in action against Russia at Rugby World Cup 2011.
  • Namibia at Rugby World Cup 2011 Namibia v South Africa at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
  • England national anthem England players line up for the national anthem ahead of a match against Scotland at Rugby World Cup 2011.
  • Tonga v New Zealand at Rugby World Cup 2011 Tonga make a break during a Rugby World Cup 2011 match against New Zealand.
  • Scotland v England at Rugby World Cup 2011 Mike Blair passes the ball Scotland's pool phase match against England at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
  • Fiji v Samoa at Rugby World Cup 2011 Fiji and Samoa exchange pre-match challenges ahead of a crucial pool phase match at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
  • Namibia at Rugby World Cup 2011 Namibia prepare for the national anthems during a Rugby World Cup 2011 match.
  • Wales v Fiji at Rugby World Cup 2011 Fiji take on Wales in a pool phase match at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand
  • Australia at RWC 2011 Australia prepare to scrum down against Wales at RWC 2011
  • Ireland v Australia at Rugby World Cup 2011 Ireland beat Australia 15-6 at RWC 2011
  • Volunteer army in 2011

    Volunteer army in 2011

  • Ma'a Nonu with fans

    New Zealand's Ma'a Nonu greets fans after a training session during Rugby World Cup 2011.

  • England training

    A general view during an England IRB Rugby World Cup 2011 training session at Mt Smart Stadium on September 2, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.

  • TGA v FRA Number eight Viliami Ma'afu of Tonga splits open the France defence during the Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool A match between France and Tonga at Wellington Regional Stadium on October 1, 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand
  • Alexander Yanyushkin of Russia - Credit: Stas Kolpakov Alexander Yanyushkin braves the difficult conditions in Sochi as Russia overcame Portugal 14-10 to inch closer to Rugby World Cup 2011 qualification. Photo: Stas Kolpakov.
  • Piri Weepu Off target: Piri Weepu was in impeccable form with his boot against Argentina but had trouble with penalties against France
  • RWC DAILY - thumb 49
  • Richie McCaw drinks from the Webb Ellis Cup - FRA v NZL Thirst class performance: Richie McCaw of the All Blacks drinks from the Webb Ellis Cup after a night of glory at Eden Park
  • Cory Jane - FRA v NZL Sweet taste of success: Cory Jane bites on his winners' medal after the presentation at Eden Park
  • Adam Thomson, Victor Vito - FRA v NZL Classic act: Victor Vito poses in classical style as he and Adam Thomson celebrate the All Blacks' victory
  • Richie McCaw talks to the media - FRA v NZL Holy grail: Richie McCaw sits proudly beside the Webb Ellis Cup as he speak to the media after the All Blacks' victory over France
  • Andrew Hore - FRA v NZL Cup runneth over: Andrew Hore dribbles as he drinks from the Webb Ellis Cup after the victory over France
  • Captain Richie McCaw - FRA v NZL All yours: Captain Richie McCaw holds the Webb Ellis Cup and acknowledges ecstatic All Blacks fans at Eden Park
  • Thierry Dusautoir - FRA v NZL So near yet so far: France captain Thierry Dusautoir trudges past the Webb Ellis Cup after collecting his runners-up medal
  • Stephen Donald - FRA v NZL The boy Don good: Stephen Donald, scorer of the All Blacks' winning penalty, has his hair ruffled by teammate Jerome Kaino
  • French team in defeat - FRA v NZL Les Miserables: Captain Thierry Dusautoir and dejected France teammates watch as the All Blacks collect the Webb Ellis Cup
  • Haka - NZL
    Haka heroes: The All Blacks celebrate their Rugby World Cup 2011 win with a haka for the crowd at Eden Park on Sunday
  • Graham Henry and wife Raewyn - FRA v NZL Sealed with a kiss: All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his wife Raewyn Henry kiss to celebrate the team's success
  • Cory Jane, Israel Dagg - FRA v NZL Doing snow angels: All Blacks Cory Jane, left, and Israel Dagg make good use of the tickertape after receiving their winners' medals
  • Fans - Final All Blacks fans celebrate their team's win at Eden Park on Sunday
  • All Blacks celebrate Rugby World Cup victory - FRA v NZL We are the champions: It's party time for the All Blacks as they celebrate being crowned Rugby World Cup 2011 champions
  • France - Team

    Got the bleus: Distraught French players look on as the All Blacks are handed their winners medals  

  • Graham Henry - NZL v FRA

    Hooray Henry: Graham Henry celebrates the All Blacks Rugby World Cup 2011 win at Eden Park on Sunday

  • Captain Richie McCaw stares at the Webb Ellis Cup

    Stare way to heaven: All Blacks captain Richie McCaw looks across to the Webb Ellis Cup seconds before he holds it aloft

  • John Key (NZL), Bernard Lapasset (FRA), Richie McCaw (NZL) Just William: Captain Richie McCaw of the All Blacks receives the Webb Ellis Cup from IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset as new Zealand Prime Minister John Key looks on
  • Richie McCaw - NZL v FRA
    Ticker flicker: All Blacks players celebrate as the ticker tape falls on their victorious Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign
  • Richie McCaw - NZL v FRA
    The moment a country has been waiting for: Ritche McCaw lifts the William Webb Ellis trophy while the rest of the All Blacks team celebrate
  • All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup - FRA v NZL Relief beyond belief: All Blacks captain Richie McCaw sends New Zealand into orbit as he finally holds aloft the Webb Ellis Cup
  • Richie McCaw - NZL v FRA

    Won for four million: Richie McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup, ending a 24-year Rugby World Cup drought for the All Blacks and their fans

  • Imanol Harinordoquy - FRA v NZL Victors and vanquished: All Blacks players break into small groups to celebrate as defeated Frenchman Imanol Harinordoquy lies shattered
  • Imanol Harinordoquy - FRA v NZL Shattered: Even the victor feels drained as vanquished Frenchman Imanol Harinordoquy lies on the ground in dejection after the 8-7 defeat by the All Blacks
  • Stephen Donald - FRA v NZL Hero: Stephen Donald, pictured being tackled by Aurelien Rougerie, kicked the penalty that won the All Blacks the Rugby World Cup
  • Thierry Dusautoir celebrates his try - FRA v NZL Hope in their hearts: Thierry Dusautoir of France celebrates his try with Julien Bonnaire, left and Aurélien Rougerie, centre
  • Aurélien Rougerie - FRA v NZL Gripping stuff: Aurélien Rougerie is prevented from breaking free as he is tackled by Tony Woodcock
  • Vincent Clerc, Ma'a Nonu - FRA v NZL
    Nonu you don't: Ma'a Nonu receives the ball before being tackled by Vincent Clerc in the RWC 2011 Final at Eden Park on Sunday
  • Maxime Medard - NZL v FRA
    Drop step: Maxime Medard of France leaves the All Blacks Conrad Smith grasping thin air in the RWC 2011 Final at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday
  • Thierry Dusautoir - FRA v NZL French polish: Thierry Dusautoir goes over the line at the post to score a try for France, sparking celebrations from teammates
  • Kieran Read - FRA v NZL Read and fright: All Black Kieran Read topples to the ground as he is tackled by Lionel Nallet
  • Aaron Cruden - NZL v FRA
    Another one bites the dust: New Zealand lose another fly half as Aaron Cruden limps off the field with an injury in the first half of the RWC 2011 Final at Eden Park
  • Israel Dagg - FRA v NZL Hide and seek: Israel Dagg keeps the ball out of the sight of Vincent Clerc as the French player moves in to tackle
  • Lionel Nallet of France offloads the ball - FRA v NZL Nallet doesn't dally: Lionel Nallet of France offloads the ball just before All Blacks close in to tackle
  • Tony Woodcock - FRA v NZL Hero worship: Tony Woodcock is hailed by his All Blacks teammates after scoring the crucial opening try
  • Richard Kahui - NZL v FRA

    A load off: New Zealand's Richard Kahui looks to get rid of the ball before being tacked

  • All Black Tony Woodcock scores the opening try - FRA v NZL Pure joy: Tony Woodcock goes over the line to score a try and put the All Blacks into the lead against France
  • Aurelien Rougerie - FRA v NZL

    Aurelien to the rescue: Aurelien Rougerie of France looks to go between Aaron Cruden and Jerome Kaino of the All Blacks during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final match between France and New Zealand at Eden Park

  • Imanol Harinordoquy - FRA v NZL French connection: Imanol Harinordoquy is tackled by All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and captain Richie McCaw
  • Richie McCaw (NZL), Thierry Dusautoir (FRA) - FRA v NZL Glory boys: New Zealand's Richie McCaw and France's Thierry Dusautoir lead out their teams ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2011 Final at Eden Park in Auckland
  • Coin toss - FRA v NZL Heads or tails: All Blacks captain Richie McCaw tosses the coin with Thierry Dusautoir of France and referee Craig Joubert
  • France fans - FRA v NZL Beret good: France fans show off their colours as they enjoy the build-up to the clash against New Zealand
  • New Zealand fans - FRA v NZL Prayer for the trying: Two All Blacks fans hold their mini banner with a message to their heroes
  • New Zealand fans - FRA v NZL Only hair for the cheer: Two New Zealand fans put plenty of effort into their makeup to make an impact at the Rugby World Cup Final
  • Young All Blacks fan - FRA v NZL Keep calm - Weepu's on: A young All Blacks fan tries to emulate hero and haka leader Piri Weepu
  • Adam Thompson -FRA v NZL

    Rock and ball: Adam Thompson listens to music and rolls the ball in his hand as he gets a feel of the pitch before kick-off

  • Aotea Square Obelisk - General A French fan dressed as the comic character Obelisk on his way to the Rugby World Cup Final between France and New Zealand
  • Bernard Lapasset - FRA Bernard Lapasset, chairman of the International Rugby Board, breaks a saki barrel with official from Japan who will host Rugby World Cup 2019
  • Assistant coach Wayne Smith - NZL

    Final curtain: Wayne Smith will bow out as assistant coach of the All Blacks after Sunday's final against France

  • Webb Ellis Cup Big Prize: The Webb Ellis Cup is the trophy all the countries have been battling to win and its destination will be decided on Sunday night
  • Gatland and Jenkins - WAL Wales head coach Warren Gatland and kicking coach Neil Jenkins talk tactics during a Wales training session at RWC 2011
  • Marc Lièvremont - FRA

    French resistance: Under coach Marc Lièvremont, France have endured internal strife and travelled a bumpy road to the RWC 2011 Final

  • Richie McCaw - NZL Long reign: All Black captain Richie McCaw will lead New Zealand out for the 66th time when the All Blacks face France in Sunday's RWC 2011 final at Eden Park in Auckland
  • Digby Ioane - AUS Digby Ioane of the Wallabies talks during an Australia media session
  • Coach Graham Henry (NZL), coach Marc Lièvremont (FRA) - FRA v NZL May the best man win: Rival coaches Graham Henry of New Zealand and France's Marc Lièvremont go head to head on Sunday night
  • Cory Jane - NZL Heading into safe hands: Cory Jane takes a high ball in training with teammate Zac Guildord
  • Cory Jane - NZL All Blacks wing Cory Jane practises catching the high ball with teammate Israel Dagg
  • RWC Daily thumb - 47
  • Nathan Sharpe - WAL v AUS High and mighty: Nathan Sharpe is lifted on to the shoulders of Wallaby teammates Ben Alexander and Scott Higginbotham after his 100th match
  • Quade Cooper - WAL v AUS From zero to hero: Wallaby Quade Cooper is transformed from a target of jeers to one of cheers as he walks up the tunnel on crutches
  • Radike Samo with fans - WAL v AUS Fans' favourite: Wallaby Radike Samo celebrates victory in the Bronze Final with Australia and Wales supporters