World Cup semi-final, 13 June 1987 Concord Oval, Sydney

The second semi-final of the inaugural World Cup produced one of the event's great games.

France 30 Tries: Lerieux, Sella, Laqisquet, Blanco Cons: Camberabero (4) Pens: Camberabero (2) Australia 24 Tries: Campese, Codey Cons: Lynagh (2) Pens: Lynagh (3) DG: Lynagh

Australia had been billed as the pre-tournament favourites and on paper looked destined for victory.

France had other ideas.

Three times the French fell behind and three times Australia looked on course to clinch the win.

Leading at 9-0 and later 15-12, fly-half Michael Lynagh had kickable chances to boot his side further in front.

But he missed what proved to be extremely costly penalties as the game reached its final stages.

From the kick-off both teams put on a display of stylish, exquisite rugby.

Lynagh and Didier Camberabero kicked intelligently, as well as launching attack after attack along the back divisions.

David Campese and David Codey crossed the line for Australia's two tries while the ever faithful boot of Lynagh - with two conversions, four penalties and a drop-goal - continued to keep the Wallabies out in front.

Philippe Sella on the semi-final

France never let their heads drop, however, crossing the line courtesy of Alain Lorieuz, Philippe Sella and Patrice Lagisquet.

As the game went into its later stages, Australia were leading 24-21 before Camberabero slotted over a penalty to take his tally for the game to 12.

With the scores level, extra-time appeared inevitable.

But France had one remaining trick up their sleeve, which manifested itself in arguably the greatest try in World Cup history.

Starting deep within their territory, they ran the ball through the hands of 11 players - backs and forwards alike - before a mesmerising display ended with the ball in the hands of Serge Blanco.

Blanco charged to the line, shaking off the grapples of Aussie forward Tom Lawton to score in the corner.

Camberabero made no mistake to silence a fairly modest crowd of 17,768 at Sydney's Concord Oval.

Australia: Peter Grigg; Andrew Slack, Brett Papworth, Matt Burke, Michael Lynagh, Nick Farr-Jones, Cameron Lillicrap, Tom Lawton, Andy McIntyre, Bill Campbell, Steve Cutler, Jeff Miller, Troy Coker, Simon Poidevin

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