Which country won the first Rugby World Cup in 1987?

New Zealand won the first Rugby World Cup in 1987. The inaugural tournament was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, and New Zealand defeated France 29–9 in the final at Eden Park in Auckland.

New Zealand entered the competition as a strong favorite and won every match it played. The team was captained by David Kirk and featured notable players including Sean Fitzpatrick, John Kirwan, Grant Fox, and Michael Jones. France reached the final after a dramatic semifinal victory over Australia.

Sixteen nations took part in the first tournament, which was held from 22 May to 20 June 1987. There was no qualifying competition: the International Rugby Football Board invited the participating teams. South Africa was excluded because of the international sporting boycott linked to apartheid.

The final scoreline made New Zealand the first men's Rugby World Cup champion. Australia hosted several matches, including both semifinals, but the final and most of New Zealand's games were played in New Zealand. Grant Fox finished as the tournament's leading points scorer with 126 points.