THROUGHOUT THE 2015 World Cup viewers are able to witness the playing of every participant’s national anthem.

Some will give you goosebumps, more sound outdated by a 100 years at least. But this does pose an interesting question – who has the ‘best’ national anthem?

Here our definitive list of the top nine Rugby World Cup anthems:

8.  ’Nkosi Sikelel’ – South Africa

The national anthem of South Africa is a shortened, combined version of two different songs – ‘Nkosi Skelel’ and ‘The Call of South Africa’.

This rendition, in particular, is moving and gives them the slight nod over some of their southern hemisphere rivals.

7. ‘Himno Nacional Argentino’ – Argentina

The Argentinian anthem is an unusual one.

A lengthy instrumental intro leaves you wondering whether there will be any words at all. Then all of a sudden it bursts into life.

6. Star Spangled Banner – USA

Probably the most recognised anthem in the world.

It’s hard not be engrossed by the sheer passion of the Americans when it plays.

5. Advance Australia Fair – Australia

Australia’s ‘Advance Australia Fair’ is a stirring piece of music and the best of the southern hemisphere anthems.

We’ll probably get sick of hearing it over the next weeks, with the Aussies a sure thing to progress to the latter stages of the tournament.

4. ‘Il Canto degli Italiani’ – Italy

If your team has won the wooden spoon and come last in two-thirds of all Six Nations tournaments so far, like Italy has, you need something to get your fans excited and riled up before a game.

And the Italian anthem certainly does that and it’s a catchy enough tune too.

3. ‘La Marseillaise’ – France

By far the catchiest tune of them all.

But it can also be intimidating. Watch the 15 players belt it out before their match with New Zealand – it’s spine tingling.

2. ‘Hen Wlad fy Nhadau’ – Wales

Second on our list is the stirring hymn, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

Unlike a lot of these anthems, the Welsh anthem combines passion with actual singing. You only have to look at this rendition of the anthem before they hammered England – it will give you goosebumps.

1. ‘Flower of Scotland’ – Scotland

The ‘Flower of Scotland’ is a tune known the world over. It’s powerful and provocative opening chords will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as it thunders around Murrayfield.

Not bad for an unofficial national anthem.

What’s your favourite? Let us know in the comments section. 

Did you know? Despite the fact that only 20 countries compete in the Rugby World Cup, it is broadcast to a massive 207 Nations from every corner of the globe! Check out more facts just like these along with amazing offers that will help you through those 80 minutes at our rugby hub on centra.ie.