Marc Ellis scored six tries for New Zealand in one Rugby World Cup match in 1995. He achieved the feat during the All Blacks’ 145–17 pool-stage victory over Japan in South Africa.
Ellis played on the wing and repeatedly found space against Japan, scoring six of New Zealand’s many tries. His performance remains the record for the most tries by one player in a single Rugby World Cup match. He finished the 1995 tournament with seven tries overall, adding one in another match.
The 1995 World Cup was hosted by South Africa, the first Rugby World Cup held there after the end of apartheid. New Zealand reached the final but lost 15–12 to the hosts after extra time, with Joel Stransky kicking the decisive drop goal.
Marc Ellis is also unusual in having played both rugby union and rugby league for New Zealand. After the 1995 season, he switched codes and joined the Auckland Warriors. His six-try match is often confused with other famous World Cup individual performances, including Jonah Lomu’s four tries against England in the 1995 semi-final.