The story of the Rugby World Cup: All Blacks get over the line in 2011

With just under three weeks to go until the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off in Paris, we're looking back at the history of the tournament from its origins in New Zealand and Australia 36 years ago, to its tenth instalment in France next month

This week, we're looking back at the 2011 tournament that was held in New Zealand for the second time.

The hosts eventually ended a 24-year drought to claim their second Webb Ellis Cup with a narrow and nervy win over France - a final that lives in folklore with the winning kick coming courtesy of a fourth choice first-five eighth who was enjoying his holidays when the All Blacks were hit with an injury crisis.

The Hosts

New Zealand saw off competition from Japan and South Africa to win the hosting rights for the first time since 1987.

They had, in fact, been in for the 2003 edition alongside Australia but disagreement over naming rights meant that the bid never progressed.

There were concerns in New Zealand about the costs associated with hosting a one-off tournament and the value to the economy but these obstacles were overcome.

Originally 13 venues were to host the 20-team competition but the Christchurch earthquake, which occurred in February 2011 and killed 185 people, meant that five pool games and two quarter-finals were moved out of the South Island city by organisers.

Both the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin and Eden Park in Auckland were redeveloped for the tournament, with Eden Park hosting the final in front of a capacity crowd of 61,079.

Russia were the only tournament debutants, while referee Alain Rolland and assistant referee Simon McDowell officiated in the competition

The story of the Rugby World Cup: South Africa win in 07 as Ireland collapse

Pools

Pool A: New