who won the first ever rugby world cup
History of the Rugby World Cup Seven places were automatically filled by the IRFB members, with invitations being sent out to fill remaining places. In total there were 16 nations in the competition. France played Australia in one of the semi-finals with New Zealand playing Wales in the other. New Zealand became the first ever Rugby World Cup Champions, defeating France 29 points to 9 at Eden Park in Auckland.
History of rugby union matches between England and Ireland In the Six Nations (2000â€“present), England have played Ireland on 19 occasions, England winning 8, Ireland 11 and no matches have been drawn. In these matches, England have scored 384 points, and Ireland 310.