Ruby is one of the most loved and watched sports in the world. Unlike other sports, it is a physical game and requires strength and stamina. Despite that, the love for then game has grown in leaps and bounds as tens of thousands of people still flock to watch the circuit series wherever they are happening. Discussed herein are the world’s top ten rugby teams. The list is not a fabrication, as it reflects that if the IRB (International Rugby Board)
1. New Zealand
The New Zealand National Rugby Team, also fondly known as the All Blacks amongst rugby fans, is by no doubt the best there is in the world. Having won the most national records against other national teams, it has commanded the respect it deserves. A rugby fan in your country may not know the pet name of the national team, but for sure he must know the All Blacks. In fact, when pitted against any national team, the opponent seems to always shiver in their boots. The first All Blacks team to compete in a rugby match was in 1883 against the New South Wales. They would have to wait until 1903 to compete in their first international rugby match against Austria. Since then, there has been no looking back and has earned the position as the number one national sport in New Zealand. What makes All Blacks the best of the best? Out of the 443 matches that they have played, they have won 330 games. This feat makes them the most successful rugby team in the globe. It has been named as the team of the year three times since 2005. The All Blacks has also been made famous because of the Haka dance prior to every match.
2. South Africa
The South Africa National Team, the best of the best in Africa is the second on the list. In the rugby arena, it is fondly known as the Springboks. The Springboks first international rugby match can be dated way to back in 1891. At the time, the British Isles rugby team was on a tour of South Africa. However, it was only in the 20th century when the love for rugby grew such that at a time of war between the Boer and British, there was a cease fire in order to allow for Boer and British armed forces to play. Their first tour was in 1906 when they toured the British Isle and France. After the inauguration of Rugby World Cup, they were eliminated from participation twice, consecutively due to the South Africa Apartheid Laws. Nonetheless, the tides changed in 1995 when it became put of the competition and went ahead to host the tournament. The high of the game was they beat New Zealand All Blacks, the most revered team 15 – 12 to lift the trophy for the first time. The same feat would be achieved in 2007 when they beat England, becoming the only second team in history to win Rugby World Cup twice.
3. Australia
The Australian National Rugby Team is also known as the Wallabies and is regarded as ‘crème dela crème’ of the rugby fraternity. It has a rich history that spans for generations. Every year they take part in the tri-nations tournament, pitted against New Zealand and South Africa. Australia was one of the founding nations that formed Rugby World Cup and co-hosted the first World Cup with New Zealand. It rugby playing years can be dated back to 1883 when it toured overseas playing several teams amongst them New Zealand. Their greatest achievement was in 1984 when they became the first team in history to attain grand slam after beating all the leading names in European Rugby on a single tour. It has taken part in all Rugby World Cups and holds the best record than other participating nations. Other than South Africa, they have also won the World Cup twice, in 1991 and 1999. They are revered in the game because of their best defense strategies and ball holding possession.
4. Argentina
Los Pumas, as the Argentina National Team is fondly known as, is a force to recon with in game of rugby. Its initial international test was in 1910 when the British Isles who toured their nation. It is ranked as the best team in America even though the game is not worshiped as soccer. But, their successes in the Rugby World Cups have earned them respect amongst the masses and its following has increased. Its major set back has been the geographical positioning, which denies it the much needed publicity. It has not really had much success in the World Cup as it has always been eliminated in the early stages.
5. Wales
The Wales National Rugby Team was created way back in 1881 and in the same year played their initial test pitted against England. They have a checkered history in rugby that spans through 18th and 19th centuries. During these periods they have generated some of the best rugby players in the history of the game, for example, J.P.R Williams and Gareth Edwards. They have participated in every Six Nation tournament and have lifted the trophy 24 times, second to the English Team which has the most wins. Whereas they have participated in all World Cups, their performance has been dismal on a platform that matters the most. It was only in 1987 when they managed to reach the semifinal stage of the competition against New Zealand. Nonetheless, their game has improved since and has managed to produce stiff competition against major leading teams.
Coming at number one is Real Madrid, a Spanish football team. They have managed to hog the headlines due to the lavish spending on new players. Other than that, they have managed to win the La Liga six times since 1994 and Champion’s league three times.
Coming at number two for Spain is Barcelona. At the moment, there is no lingering doubt that Barcelona is the best team in the world at the moment. At the just concluded world cup, the Spanish international team boasted of fielding 8 first team players, literally meaning that they carried the hopes and joy for Spain as a country. The have won the La Liga back to back eight time from 1991 to 1994, two times from 2005 to 2006 and two times from 2008 to 2009. In addition, they have also won the Champion’s League and Fifa World Cup.
Finishing the list for England and making an entrance is Manchester United Football Club. There is no doubt that Manchester FC is the best English team at the moment having won multiple silver wares across Europe. Since 1992, they have won the English Premier League ten times and the FA cup four times. Other domestic trophies won include league cup and community shield. They have won the Champion’s League twice as well as the Fifa World Cup.
Making the list and increasing the number of teams in the list is Juventus. Despite the turbulence times that the team has gone through, it still is one of the most decorative teams in Europe. They have won the Serie A five times, Serie B after being relegated over match fixing and won the UEFA Champions League.
Adding the list of Italian clubs in the list is AC Milan. A great threat to Inter Milan in the race for Serie A Championship has also won numerous awards over the years. Notable of all silver wares that they have bagged is Champion’s League that they have won three times since 1993. Since 1991, they have won the Serie A six times.
Los Angeles Lakers, formed in the year 1948, has failed to qualify for the playoffs only five times. They have clinched sixteen victories in the NBA finals. In the year 1972, the team showcased their best performance with a score of 69-13. The team, which always boasts of a talented lineup, has never been defeated in all sixty matches of a season.
Formed in the year 1946, Boston Celtics made a dominating presence from the year 1957 to 1969. With the terrific performance of the players, Boston Celtics registered eleven championships wins out of thirteen. From 1959 to 1966, the Celtics won eight titles at a stretch, which is, till now, the longest winning streak for any basketball team in the country.
Formed in the year, 1989, the young team of Orlando Magic has played twelve playoffs so far. In this short period of time, the team had players like Vince Carter, Dwight Howard, Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal and many more. Among the four team included in the year 1989, Magic has performed much better than other three teams at the same time.
Cleveland Cavaliers have made their first appearance in the year 1970. Since then, they have achieved some glorious feats. Nate Thurmond and Walt Frazier, who had been the part of the team for a significant period of time, have been inducted in the ‘Hall of Fame’ list.
Formed in the year 1960, Chicago Bulls deserves a special mention for their great performance during the 90s. The team is still known for winning six championships in a short spell of eight years. Bulls are also credited for spreading the popularity of NBA across the globe.
