The Greatest Rugby Game Ever All Blacks v Australia - Sports Ventures

As the world is combating the corona virus pandemic in self-quarantine and through social distancing, and our rugby tours and rugby tournaments are put on hold, Sports Ventures has decided to compile a list of documentaries, films and/or stories about legends of the sport available that are well worth watching and/or reading.

Today we decided not to suggest a film nor a documentary but actually THE GAME, for many the greatest game of rugby to ever be played.

Chapter #5: “The Game of the Century | All Blacks v Australia 2000 | available on Youtube (link here).

In front of a World Record attendance of 109,874 fans in July 2000, Stadium Australia witnessed one of the greatest games of rugby to ever be played. The All Blacks vs the Wallabies in Bledisloe One will forever be remembered for the epic nature of a contest that was an incredible advert for rugby. It was a thrilling game that went back and forward until literally the last minute, and beyond.

New Zealand got off to a fyling start with stars like Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu and Tana Umaga terrorizing the Aussies with some quick fire tries, taking the score to 24-0 after 6 minutes. Australia staged a remarkable come back though thanks in part to two Stirling Mortlock tries and by half time the scores were equal at 24-24. After the break the Aussies took the lead with a penalty, before Justin Marshall scored a brilliant individual effort that knocked the wind out of the rejuvenated Aussies’ sails.

When Jeremy Paul scored for the Wallabies with time almost up, it looked like they had pulled off a memorable comeback that the record home crowd would celebrate for years to come. It looked as though the game would end 35-34, with the courageous Wallabies coming out on top.

Superstar Jonah Lomu put a dampener on the Australian celebrations though, scoring a dramatic late try that came from an excellent pass over the top by Taine Randell. The big man got the space he needed and brushed off flyhalf Stephen Larkham’s attempted tackle with ease, going over to clinch victory and see his team finish off what they started in the first 6 minutes of the game.

One of the games of the century, this Tri Nations classic will be remembered for years to come as a fiercely contested battle that went back and forth for the full 82 mins.

 Final Score: 39-35 to New Zealand

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

About Sports Ventures Sports Tours & Events

Sports Ventures is a Sports Travel & Events House provider of sports travel & event management services for sports teams of all ages, standards of play in diverse disciplines including international rugby tours and rugby tournaments.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

1. Rugby tours for schools, clubs, colleges offering a comprehensive one-stop-shopping approach – providing air, hotel, ground transportation, group excursions and event management services always putting extra attention in all health & safety issues;
2. Multi-Sports Tours combining several sports, water sports and even cultural activities;
3. Warm-weather pre & mid season rugby training camps;
4. Organization of team participation sports tournaments such as:
   1. Lisbon Junior Rugby Sevens Tournament (12-15/02/21)
   2. Algarve Rugby Sevens Tournament (04-07/06/21)
   3. Lisbon Rugby Sevens Tournament (Dates TBA 2021)
   4. Youth World Games (08-11/04/22)

For more information on our international rugby tours and rugby tournaments please contact us on email info@sports-ventures.com or alternatively call us on +351 939 318 993