The French team looked impressive, possibly unbeatable, in the semi-finals but their multitude of admirers had their dreams of a final victory for France shattered in the most important game of the Tournament. They were clearly second best and lost 35-12 to Australia.

Wallaby full-back Matt Burke punished their ill-discipline in front of 78,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff with seven penalties as well as two conversions as the French again failed to string two great consecutive performances together.

To rub salt into the wounds France, leading 6-3, had an Abdel Benazzi try disallowed for a knock-on. Winger Ben Tune and replacement forward Owen Finegan, in second-half injury time, scored for the Australians.

Aussie centre Tim Horan had another fine game to clinch the player-of-the-tournament award. Horan and lock John Eales had also both featured in the 1991 final.

French despair was made only worse by their semi-final win over tournament favourites New Zealand when, given no hope of winning, they overturned a 24-10 deficit in stunning fashion to win 43-31. This match is still regarded as the best to ever grace a World Cup.

Australia also produced a fine performance in the semis, beating South Africa 27-21 in extra time. Remarkably, neither side scored a try. Jannie de Beer kicked all of the Springbok points with Burke replying with eight penalties and Steve Larkham popping over a crucial drop-goal.