Disappointment for the home nations

The first tournament in the northern hemisphere was shared between the Five Nations of Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland and France. The matches in Wales were held at Pontypool,
Pontypridd and Llanelli as well as Cardiff Arms Park.

Interest had grown and qualifying competitions were introduced for the first time. After losing unexpectedly to Western Samoa, Wales failed to progress beyond the pool stages. England beat Scotland in the first semi-final while Australia took advantage of a lacklustre New Zealand team to
win the second comfortably. With the tournament’s star, David Campese, on the wing Australia defeated England on their own turf at Twickenham.