The story behind the standout images of Rugby World Cup 2021

"There's so much rugby in New Zealand; if you are shooting sport, you're shooting rugby," says Fiona Goodall. Over the years, the freelance photographer has amassed a stunning portfolio of striking shots which often feature a rugby ball in the frame. In 2022, she brought her storytelling style to the delayed Rugby World Cup 2021 in her homeland, covering the event for Getty Images.

"The best part is capturing the emotion," she says. "That's the key. That's everyone's goal. The action is one thing, but the emotion around it, whether good or bad, is what I enjoy photographing."

With a career spanning three decades, the talented and versatile photographer has covered everything: from royal visits and the America's Cup in the sport of sailing, to the devastation of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and the widespread impact of Covid-19. But sport, and in particular rugby, has been evident throughout.

After 15 years' shooting for one of New Zealand's largest media companies, Fiona branched out on her own and she hasn't looked back. More than a decade later, she can offer some sage advice to those thinking of making a similar leap. "While it was a fairly scary transition, I felt I had enough of a reputation that it was going to be OK," she says. "But you've got to be a certain type of person; you've got to trust yourself that there's more work coming and not panic when there's a bit of a lull."

The world of freelancing isn't for the faint-hearted, and Fiona had to be shrewd when putting together her kitbag. "As a freelancer, you don't have an arsenal of big glass in your cupboard; you just have what you can afford at the time," she says. "So you have to weigh up how much of what you do requires a big lens."

Fiona, who shoots on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, went in with the objective of making the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x her number one lens, and it made quite an impression. "I had a range of lenses when I was in newspapers, but I found the EF 200-400mm to be really versatile, especially for news and sport," she says. "I thought: 'If I'm going to buy one lens, this is the one to go for because of its versatility'."

Although she has subsequently added a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens – which she deploys in news settings – to her collection, her trusted Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens proved its worth once again at Rugby World Cup 2021. "I use it for its ability to capture the action at different phases," she says. "So, I can be at the 400mm end of the lens range and capture something up the pitch, then bring it in to follow the action and then onto the celebration. I rely on it as my World Cup lens because it gives me options."

Canon's RF lenses for its EOS R System cameras offer even greater reach and performance, thanks to advanced optical technology and design. The RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM offers a similar level of versatility, combining an impressive 5-stops of optical IS, Dual Nano USM motors for fast, smooth and near silent AF, and Super UD and UD lens elements for sharp, shake-free action and sports stills. You can boost the reach of the lens even further by pairing it with either an RF 1.4x or RF 2x Extender.

However, when Fiona finds herself assigned to a single position, which often happens at top-tier sporting events, it's her super adaptable Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x that comes into its own. Rather than racing up and down the touchline anticipating where the action might take place, during Rugby World Cup 2021, Fiona and the five-strong Getty team were allocated fixed spots. Fiona's position was often behind an advertising board, on a bench adjacent to the corner flag.

"The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens has enough range to capture everything from the build-up to the try," she explains. "I prefer to stick on the action and get it really tight. For Rugby World Cup, we're generally positioned behind the goal line on a spot where we don't move. In that situation, you just have to shoot what's coming to you."

As an alternative, the lightweight super-telephoto Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM lens delivers 4.5-stops of IS and has an impressive f/5.6 maximum aperture, which gives a unique combination of reach and stability that is ideal for capturing all the action from across the field of play.

Check out our gallery to see some alternative perspectives on Rugby World Cup 2021

With years of experience in the field, Fiona has a few wise words for those following in her footsteps. "Get there early, a couple of hours before the game," she advises. "That's definitely a bonus because you can familiarise yourself with the ground, the stadium and the people running it. Make sure you've got everything sorted in your head and that your gear is working. Getting prepared is one of the key things."

Fiona also insists that knowledge of the game can aid in photography. If you don't know the sport well enough, it helps to learn more about it from those who possess the knowledge. "When I shoot something I've never shot before and I literally have no idea about the game, talking to somebody who knows everything about it can have a massive impact," she says.

Opportunities to capture moments of unreserved joy or earth-shattering dejection increase as a tournament reaches its concluding stages. However, Fiona says her most significant shot at Rugby World Cup 2021 was taken during the earlier group matches when one of France's top players, scrum-half Laure Sansus, suffered a painful injury that ruled her out for the rest of the tournament. She captured a series of images as Laure was tackled to the ground and her knee was caught underneath the tackle. "Capturing the agony of that moment wasn't necessarily a good thing, but it was pivotal in France's campaign," she recalls.

As with any sport, emotions run high and moments of celebration and joy become all the more special. Fiona captured one such moment during the game between Australia and New Zealand, where the hosts celebrated a try scored by Joanah Ngan-Woo, surrounded by their rivals in yellow. She managed to capture both ecstasy and agony in one frame.

The support enjoyed by the teams during the tournament – and players' reaction to it – has been a particular source of optimism for Fiona. "The women are humble and appreciate the support of the country and the fans. They're more open and freer with the joy of the game," she says.

• Canon is an official sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2021, taking place in New Zealand from 8 October to 12 November 2022. Getty Images sports photographer Fiona Goodall is an official photographer at the event.

• TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2021. All rights reserved.