This is the story of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, one of the most dramatic sporting events in living memory. It tells how champions England, written off as hopeless losers after suffering a 36-0 beating by South Africa, shocked Australia and France to reach the final again; how New Zealand - prohibitive pre-tournament favourites - disintegrated in the quarter-final against France; how Argentina justified their world top-four ranking; how many "lesser" rugby nations made a nonsense of the world pecking order; and, finally, how South Africa saw off England to regain the Webb Ellis Trophy. Written by experienced journalists from France's leading sports newspaper, L'Equipe, there are reports from every match, stories behind the scenes and a full statistical review of the competition. All of this is complemented by a selection of superb photographs, capturing the essence of the tournament, players, fans and indeed the nation as it was gripped by rugby fever.

Written by the in-house staff of L'Equipe newspaper.