World Cup final, 20 June 1987 Eden Park, Auckland

New Zealand 29 Tries: Jones, Kirk, Kirwan Con: Fox Pens: Fox (4) France 9 Try: Berbizier Con: Camberabero Pens: Camberabero

France turned up for the final on the crest of a wave, having defeated Australia in the semi-finals - one of the greatest games in the history of the World Cup.

The energy their players had expended in that match cost them dearly and they were unable to produce the same heroics.

New Zealand dominated from start to finish - pure and simple.

But after the fireworks of the semis, the final failed to produce the running rugby spectacle anticipated by the millions watching across the globe.

All Blacks fly-half Grant Fox spent the majority of his time kicking for territory or at goal in a bid to keep the points ticking over rather than unleashing his talented backs.

The New Zealand number 10 ended the contest with 17 points.

Despite his insistence on kicking, his side still crossed for three tries - courtesy of Michael Jones, captain David Kirk and John Kirwan.

SKIPPER'S VERDICT There was a touch of melancholy - it must be how people feel at the top of Everest Kirk on lifting the trophy Read his full story

There was scant consolation for France in the latter stages when Pierre Berbizier ran in the only French try.

The tournament had been seen as a chance to spread the sport globally without affecting its amateur status off it.

To highlight this, New Zealand full-back John Gallagher, who had been one of the stars for the co-hosts, was back on his policeman's beat the following morning.

In the end, the tournament highlighted the massive gulf between the established figures in world rugby and the emerging nations.

New Zealand: John Gallagher; John Kirwan, Warwick Taylor, Joe Stanley, Craig Green; Grant Fox, David Kirk; John Drake, Sean Fitzpatrick, Steven McDowell; Murray Pierce, Gary Whetton; Michael Jones, Alan Whetton, Buck Shelford

France: Serge Blanco; Patrice Lagisquet, Philippe Sella, Denis Charvet, Didier Camberabero; Frank Mesnel, Pierre Berbizier; Jean-Pierre Garuet-Lempirou, Daniel Dubroca, Pascal Ondarts; Jean Condom, Alain Lorieux; Eric Champ, Dominique Erbani, Laurent Rodriguez