2011 World Cup in pictures

We rather enjoyed the 2011 Rugby World Cup, so we thought we'd preserve its memory with this little gallery. Come in and check it out...

Starting on Friday, September 9 and ended at the same venue - Auckland's Eden Park - some six weeks later.

Tackles were made... tackles were missed... tears were shed.

It was a memorable World Cup for many reasons - most of all, however, for hosts New Zealand who, finally after 24 years, lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time in history.

Our 2011 Rugby World Cup gallery:

All Black legend Jonah Lomu participates in the 2011 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony.

Maori dancers perform at the Rugby World Cup Opening ceremony.

Sonny Bill Williams is tackled by Tongan players in the opening game.

Francois Steyn celebrates scoring against Wales; his team's first try at RWC 2011.

Scotland's Ross Rennie shows some great ball skills.

Russian fans make a statement against the USA.

The USA celebrate victory over Russia in the pool stages.

Chris Ashton does his controversial swan dive as he scores a try against Georgia.

Australia's Kurtley Beale gets tackled by an Irish player as Ireland got an upset win.

Samoa's Kahn Fotuali'i scores a try against Fiji.

Tonga do the Sipi Tau ahead of kick-off against Japan.

An England fan holds up a banner welcoming Mike Tindall's wife to the RWC.

Bok winger Bryan Habana flies in for a try against Namibia - a record-breaking score.

Ireland form an honour guard for Russia after defeating them.

Canada's Adam Kleeburger is treated for a head injury.

Bok coach Peter de Villiers tinkers with a boat engine.

A Welsh supporter makes her allegiance known.

Australia celebrate their quarterfinal win over South Africa.

England's Wilkinson walks off the field after being eliminated from the RWC.

Ireland's Ronan O'Gara is tackled by Welsh players in the quarterfinals.

Australia's Quade Cooper is tackled by All Blacks players in the semifinal.

Wales fans are inconsolable after their semifinal exit against France.

James O'Connor kicks over a conversion in the third place play-off.

All Blacks fans sport a cheeky banner at the RWC Final.

A Maori performer sizes up the assistant referee in Sunday's final.

France's Harinordoquy kisses the trophy after collecting his silver medal.

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw lifts the World Cup trophy.