Ireland’s record-breaking 106-7 thrashing of Portugal this past weekend got us thinking about some of the biggest wins in rugby history. On a bright day in Lisbon, Ireland set new highs with 16 tries and a margin that smashed their previous record, showing the depth and talent of their squad even without key British and Irish Lions players.
This dominant display joins an elite group of huge victories by major rugby nations. Almost all of the wins on this list came after the turn of the century and some feature losing teams who are now competitive on the big stage, showing just how far rugby has come in such a short time in terms of being popular around the globe.
2025: Portugal 7 – 106 Ireland: Summer Internationals
On a sunny afternoon at Lisbon’s Estadio Nacional do Jamor, Ireland etched their name into the history books with their biggest-ever Test win, a 102-7 demolition of Portugal. With 16 tries and three debut scorers, it was a landmark day for Irish rugby.
Despite missing 17 Lions and head coach Andy Farrell, interim boss Paul O’Connell saw his youthful side produce a ruthless performance. Debutants Hugh Gavin and Shayne Bolton each bagged braces in the first half, while Alex Kendellen capped his first cap with a try in the second.
Ireland surpassed their previous record win (83-3 vs USA, 2000), setting new marks for points, tries, and margin of victory. Portugal, World Cup darlings not too long ago, were overpowered and hampered by injuries. A lone try from flanker Nicolas Martins was all they could muster.
2001: England 134 – 0 Romania – Autumn Nation Series
England’s biggest Test victory came all the way back in 2001, with a 134-0 rout of Romania at Twickenham.
There was a sense of anticipation in the air going into the game, but few could have predicted just how one-sided the afternoon would become. Charlie Hodgson, just 21 and making his debut, played like a seasoned veteran and scoring 44 points, breaking the England individual points record. Only the upright denied him the world record with the final kick.
Jason Robinson, electric every time he touched the ball, thrilled the crowd with a hat-trick of tries, his first in an England shirt. Ben Cohen and Dan Luger also helped themselves to three apiece as England ran in 20 tries.
It was a sign of things to come for England because just under two years later they lifted the World Cup trophy for the first and only time in their history.
2004: Scotland 100 – 8 Japan – Autumn Nations Series
Back in 2004, Scotland made history, racking up a 100-8 win over Japan, a record that still stands as their biggest ever international victory.
Bouncing back from a tough loss to Australia the week before, Matt Williams’ side cut loose with an attacking performance full of energy and ambition. Chris Paterson led the charge, scoring 40 points, including three tries, in a display of clinical finishing.
Scotland ran in 15 tries, with debut scorers, long-range efforts, and some dazzling interplay lighting up McDiarmid Park. Even when Japan responded early with a slick score, it only briefly slowed the inevitable.
It also shows the amount of growth for Japanese rugby, given that now they compete with teams like Scotland and recently beat Wales in a Test.
It won’t be the last time that the Blossoms feature on this list though.
2004: Wales 98 – 0 Japan – Autumn Nations Series
Back in 2004, under the roof at the Principality Stadium, Wales tore through Japan 98-0, claiming what still stands as their biggest ever Test win. It was a dazzling day for Welsh rugby with 14 tries, 14 conversions, and a captain leading from the front.
Colin Charvis equalled the national record with four tries, while Tom Shanklin grabbed a hat-trick and Gavin Henson was flawless from the tee. Shane Williams lit up the field with his signature flair, Rhys Williams sprinted in from deep, and Gethin Jenkins charged in from 25 metres, everything seemed to click.
Fast forward to today: Wales have just snapped an 18-Test losing streak with a gritty win over Japan, one week after falling to the Blossoms in Kitakyushu. The margins are tighter now, the battles harder won but that day in Cardiff remains a reminder of what Welsh rugby can look like when it all comes together.
Like the Scotland game, it serves as a reminder as to just how far Japan have come in just over 20 years.
2023: France 96 – 0 Namibia – 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool Match
On a warm September night at the Stade Velodrome, France hit top gear, smashing Namibia 96-0 in their biggest ever Test victory. The performance was ruthless, clinical and a loud statement to the rest of the rugby world.
Damian Penaud ran in a hat-trick, while Jonathan Danty, Charles Ollivon, and Louis Bielle-Biarry bagged braces in a 14-try masterclass. Antoine Dupont pulled the strings with ease before a sickening head clash forced him off, the only sour note on an otherwise perfect night.
Les Bleus ended the tournament in the quarter-finals though, losing to the eventual winners, the Springboks 29-28 in front of a packed crowd in Paris.
France surpassed their previous record (87-10 vs Namibia, 2007), underlining just how dangerous they’d become on home soil. For Namibia, it was a punishing lesson and not the last time they’re on this list for a record defeat.
1995: New Zealand 145 – 17 Japan – 1995 Rugby World Cup Pool Match
In a sun-drenched Free State Stadium at the 1995 World Cup, New Zealand unleashed a record-breaking performance that still stands unmatched today. Their 145–17 demolition of Japan remains the All Blacks’ biggest-ever Test win, and one of rugby’s most staggering scorelines.
Though fielding what many called a B team, the All Blacks were merciless. Marc Ellis crossed for six tries, a Rugby World Cup record, while debutant Simon Culhane racked up 45 points, including 20 conversions, still the most by any player in a single Test but nearly surpassed in by Hodgson England’s win over Romania.
Japan had shown promise earlier in the tournament, but on this day, they were overwhelmed. New Zealand scored 21 tries, the match totalling 162 points, still a record for any Test match.
2003: Australia 142 – 0 Namibia – 2003 Rugby World Cup Pool Match
In front of a packed crowd at the Adelaide Oval, Australia delivered a 142–0 thrashing of Namibia, a win that remains the biggest margin in Rugby World Cup history and the Wallabies’ largest victory in any Test.
It was a dominant, clinical display. Chris Latham crossed five times, while Lote Tuqiri and Matt Giteau each grabbed hat-tricks. Mat Rogers added 42 points, including 16 conversions and two tries, more than Namibia managed across the entire tournament.
Namibia, still in just their second World Cup, fielded a largely amateur side against a host nation brimming with stars. The mismatch was clear from the opening minutes, and by halftime, the scoreboard was already brutal.
Despite the record-setting win, Australia’s 2003 campaign ended in heartbreak, falling to England in extra time in the final.
2005: South Africa 134 – 3 Uruguay – Summer International Match
A lot of these wins came in the mid 2000s and South Africa’s was no different, coming in 2005 on home soil.
The star of the day was Tonderai Chavhanga, who marked his debut in stunning fashion with six tries, breaking the national record for most in a single Test. Born in Zimbabwe, Chavhanga had just completed his three-year residency and made an unforgettable first impression.
The Springboks ran in 21 tries in total, eclipsing their previous best scoreline of 101–0 against Italy in 1999. Bryan Habana, Solly Tyibilika, and Albert van den Berg each scored twice, while Percy Montgomery and Jaco van der Westhuyzen shared the kicking duties.
Uruguay could only manage a single penalty but will be grateful they didn’t get beat to nil.
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