Every four years, from all four corners of the world, they converge. The best and brightest rugby players in union on the game's grandest stage - the World Cup.
Since 1987, the gilded William Webb Ellis Cup has been up for grabs, with each of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa tasting success on multiple occasions, as well as England - thanks in large part to the golden boot of Jonny Wilkinson - in 2003.
However, the game's minnow nations are also invited to the quadrennial event, going toe-to-toe with the big boys and more often than not, coming up short.
While the gap between the best and worst nations has begun to close, there was a time not long ago when cricket scores were commonplace in the 15-man game.
From All Black annihilations to a Namibian safari running off course, here are the top five biggest margins ever recorded in Rugby World Cup history.
1. Australia vs Namibia – 142 points (142-0) – Rugby World Cup 2003 – Adelaide, Australia
2. New Zealand vs Japan – 128 points (145-17) – Rugby World Cup 1995 – Bloemfentein, South Africa
= 3. New Zealand vs Italy – 98 points (101-3) – Rugby World Cup 1999 – Huddersfield, United Kingdom
= 3. England vs Uruguay – 98 points (111-13) – Rugby World Cup 2003 – Brisbane, Australia
5. New Zealand vs Portugal – 95 points (108-13) – Rugby World Cup 2007 – Lyon, France
6. England vs Tonga – 91 points (101-10) – Rugby World Cup 1999 – Twickenham, United Kingdom
