The knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup are always dramatic. Having already proved their quality in qualifying from their pools, the remaining teams have to raise their games even higher in the knockout stages – which makes for exhilarating rugby. For example the quarter final of the 1991 Rugby World Cup between Ireland and Australia, where the genius of David Campese and the cool head of Michael Lynagh enabled the Wallabies to beat an inspired Ireland side 19-18.

France's semi final win against New Zealand in the 1999 Rugby World Cup is widely believed to be the greatest game of rugby ever played. At one point France were trailing by 24-10, courtesy of tries by Jonah Lomu and conversions by Andrew Mehrtens, but with Christophe Lamaison in sparkling form France scored a breathtaking 33 points without reply from the All Blacks. A try at the death for New Zealand made the score 43-31, but France held on to win this mesmerising clash.

Some of the most thrilling and atmospheric contests in world sport take place in the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup, which brings together some of the most friendly and sociable people on the planet who applaud moments of sporting brilliance regardless of the team they support.

To reach the final has become the holy grail of Rugby Union nations ever since the first World Cup in 1987. Attendance at that inaugural tournament was 600,000. By 2003 it had reached 1.8 million, with a global television audience of 3.4 billion for the final itself.

What the figures show is just how popular the Rugby World Cup has become in a relatively short space of time. Exciting as it is watching the quarters, semis and final on TV, nothing compares to the buzz of being there in person, especially if you’re fortunate enough to witness one of those classic encounters this incredible tournament is so famous for.

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff:
In recent years Cardiff, Europe’s youngest capital city, has transformed itself into one of the UK’s most inviting cities. Historical highlights can be found in the numerous museums and castles, while there are many parks and gardens to explore including the 50-acre Dyfryn Gardens. Cardiff’s refurbished dockside area is Europe’s largest waterfront development and boasts panoramic views of the harbour, scenic promenades along the bay, sparkling shopping arcades, great bars, eateries, attractions that cater for all ages and even a hands-on science centre. Cardiff boasts many excellent restaurants and pubs, including the City Arms – a rugby supporter’s favourite and venue for spotting pop stars and celebrities. Seating 72,500 spectators, Cardiff’s atmospheric Millennium Stadium is the home of Welsh rugby and also one of the most high-tech stadiums in the world – equipped with a retractable roof and two interchangeable playing fields.

Vélodrome Stadium, Marseille
Wonderfully located in the picturesque Provence region of France, Marseille is France’s premier port and second largest city. It also has a wonderful ambience that can be found on its busy streets and outdoor cafés, particularly those along the main thoroughfare, La Canabière, known as ‘can of beer’ amongst American GIs during World War II. Here you’ll find shops of all description and many fine restaurants serving outstanding Provençal-style dishes. For sensational seafood dishes, including the celebrated Marseillaise bouillabaisse, follow La Canabière down to the scenic Vieux Port, and discover the many restaurants that ring the yacht and fishing boat filled harbour. Public beaches just outside the city, cabaret joints, nightclubs and music bars playing all forms of music add to Marseilles magic. Known as ‘the temple of French football’, Marseille’s Vélodrome Stadium holds up to 60,000 supporters and is France’s largest club stadium.

Parc De Prince, Paris
Paris,The City of Light, has a very special atmosphere all of its own, and the constant capacity to surprise and delight even the most well-travelled of visitors. Discover for yourself elegant parks, quaint fountains and treelined boulevards; sample the cafés and restaurants along the splendid Champs Elysées; follow the sound of jazz music to the lively Latin Quarter; or wander through the cobbled streets of old Montmartre. Throughout Paris you’ll find excellent restaurants, relaxing bars and a colourful nightlife, as well as world famous attractions such as the mighty Eiffel Tower, majestic Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, and La Place de la Concorde – Paris's largest square. Situated on the former hunting grounds of French princes and holding up to 50,000 spectators, the Parc de Princes was the home of French international rugby until 1997 and remains one of the world’s best-loved stadiums.

Stade De France, Saint-Denis
The charming city of Saint-Denis is one of the three départements that form a ring around Paris in Ile-de-France region. With Paris just a few kilometres away from the city, the limitless attractions of the French capital are easily accessible, however the city of Saint-Denis has many charms of its own. The foremost attraction is the awe-inspiring Basilica of Saint-Denis, the world's first gothic structure and where most of the kings and queens of France are ornately entombed and illuminated by mauve, purple, blue and rose light coming from the magnificent stained-glass windows. Other attractions include the fascinating Air and Space Museum, and the atmospheric Saint-Ouen flea market, which is renowned for its many excellent restaurants. The 103,000 capacity Stade de France is a stunning addition to the Saint-Denis skyline, especially at night during evening matches when the immense roof is dazzlingly illuminated.