Rugby union has been firmly established in Australia for more than a century and the national team, affectionately known as the Wallabies, are a virtual fixture in the top three of the International Rugby Board rankings.

Australia are one of only two countries to have contested three Rugby World Cup finals (the other being England), winning the Webb Ellis Trophy in 1991 (against England) and 1999 (against France) but losing out after extra-time in an epic battle with England in 2003.

The Wallabies have produced some of the greatest international rugby union players of all time, with the likes of David Campese, Michael Lynagh and John Eales having worn the distinctive green and gold jersey with distinction.

Australia and their bitterest rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks, have contested the Bledisloe Cup since 1932, although this annual challenge between two of the southern hemisphere's giants has now been incorporated into the Tri-Nations tournament.

Despite rugby union by no means being the most popular sport in Australia, the Wallabies invariably punch above their weight against the All Blacks and have claimed some famous victories against their New Zealand rivals over the years, most notably in 2003 when they claimed a crucial triumph in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup.

Referring to New Zealand's continuing inability to regain the Webb Ellis Trophy, then Australia captain George Gregan came out with his famous jibe: "Four more years boys, four more years," in reference to the fact that the All Blacks would have to wait even longer to regain the biggest prize of all in international rugby union.