Four World Cup winning legends, now TV pundits for the 2011 Rugby World Cup

To help you through the 48 matches, ITV has put together a sensational line-up of former winners as part of their coverage team, which will be fronted by Steve Rider. So sit back and hear the views of a quartet who have won more than 250 caps between them. Over the World Cup, these four legends will share with you their views on the tournaments’ big topics…

What is the best game you’ve ever played in?
Francois Pienaar: Our final in 1995 – it has to be the best!

Sean Fitzpatrick: The 1995 World Cup semi-final against England was a special game, as well as, of course, the final in 1987. But playing in South Africa was wonderful. The stadiums and the people were great, they had a real love for rugby and the whole nation was involved in the World Cup, which is the way it should be. In England, a lot of people would have been unaware that a World Cup was taking place, but in somewhere like New Zealand or South Africa everyone knows about it. The people of the host nation make the tournament, and in 1995 the fans were so passionate, and that’s very important for the players. It was definitely the best World Cup I went to.

Michael Lynagh: Winning the 1991 World Cup was a great achievement but it wasn’t a great game, whereas our defeat to France in the 1987 semi-final was a fantastic game but a big disappointment. The best moment of the my career was probably the 1991 quarter-final against Ireland when we came back to win with a try right at the death. Perhaps beating the All Blacks at Eden Park in 1986 to win the Bledisloe Cup was the best game.

Do you agree with their views? Go to our Facebook page and let us know what you think…

This article appeared in the October 2011 issue of Rugby World Magazine.

Find a newsagent that sells Rugby World in the UK

Or perhaps you’d like a digital version of the magazine delivered direct to your PC, MAC or Ipad? If so click here.

For Back Issues Contact John Denton Services at 01733-385-170 visit