History of the Rugby World Cup

There are no such concerns for Wales and Ireland though who are already through to the last eight and Scotland is yet to know their fate as they prepare to play Samoa on Saturday (10th October).

Supplier of all rugby goal posts to participating stadiums in England and Wales, Harrod UK delved into the history of the iconic sporting event since it began in 1987 to the start of the 2015 tournament, and produced this interactive infographic to highlight key facts and figures.

History would show Wales has reached the semi-finals twice – once in 1987 and again in 2011. They would have to end a run of ten defeats to Australia to finish at the top of their group, but with Wales already defying the odds and overcoming injury to take a place in the quarter finals, could it be third time lucky for the team to make the semi-final in 2015?

The only decision needing to be resolved for Ireland is whether they qualify from Pool D as group winners or as runners up. The infographic highlights the team as reaching all the RWC quarter-finals apart from in 2007 so could 2015 be the year the team goes that one stage further into the semi-finals?

Scotland’s best finish was in 1991 when they reached the semi-finals. There is still a chance Scotland could top Pool B if South Africa fails to beat USA but the likelihood is they will finish second which means they’ll face the winner of Pool A (Wales or Australia) in the quarter final.

Les Saunders, Sales and Marketing Director for Harrod UK, comments: “It’s a real shame England as hosts have been knocked out at the pool stage of the RWC but like with any sport the show must go on. The support and enthusiasm surrounding this year’s tournament has been amazing and I am so pleased Harrod UK has been a part of the RWC once again.”

Only time will tell what is in store for the RWC 2015 and who will make history but for now why not take a look and see whether Harrod UK’s predictions of the player most likely to go under the posts fares true.