England’s stunning Rugby World Cup win was 15 years ago today… and Jonny Wilkinson still hasn’t watched the Australia final back
It was his memorable drop goal that clinched victory for the Red Rose in the Aussie's back yard
FIFTEEN years ago, this was the day that changed English rugby forever.
Australia arrived with tails up in Sydney for the World Cup final. But they were sent packing after a thriller in front of 83,000 fans.
At 14-14, the match headed into extra time. And after a penalty apiece, Jonny Wilkinson’s magical drop goal won it for Martin Johnson’s men with 26 seconds remaining.
Here are some memories from a dramatic final . . .
JONNY WILKINSON, England fly-half
"I have never watched the game back but I’ve tried to preserve the quality of the memories I have which are wrapped up in the feel, the senses, the smell, noises and atmosphere.
"I want to keep it exactly as I remember it, which was one hell of an experience.
"I knew from fairly early on the kick was going over.
"What surprised me was that I actually got lost in the moment, I didn’t know where I was.
"I remember half celebrating, but not really celebrating. I felt it was a dream-like situation.
"Then there was the realisation that there was still time left and I really wasn’t up for a third game-tying penalty from them before the end.
"We spent years working on a framework to manufacture three points when needed, demanding people knew their roles. It was as professional as it could be."
LEWIS MOODY, England replacement
"I’m always slightly shocked to see the years ticking by.
"Like any memories, there are some that are vivid and others that are a bit sketchy.
"I remember being very nervous the day before and I recall looking in the mirror trying to calm my mind down.
"Hooker Steve Thompson and I had been to the cinema on the eve of every World Cup game, but on the night before the final, everywhere in Manly was shut as it was the third-place play-off.
"Eventually, we persuaded an intern, with cash, to let us watch the School Of Rock.
"The worst part of sport is being on the bench.
"As the game got tighter, you get the demons: ‘Do I want to go on and possibly cost us the game?’
"But once you cross that white line, you just get on with it."
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LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO, England No 8
"Beating Australia Down Under — what a dream final that was.
"It was my 65th game for England and we were an experienced group — but we had taken a lot of stick from the Aussie press for being ‘Dad’s Army’.
"So it was such a great feeling to get over the line having been the best side in the world for three years and going 12 months unbeaten.
"Then to share that with all the England fans there in Sydney and then back home was an incredible feeling.
"There was such emotion back in the changing room after the final whistle, too.
"Everyone was there — players who didn’t play, all the staff, some were laughing and some crying. It was a wonderful sense of achievement and satisfaction.
"There was no one more relieved than me as I gave away the penalty that sent the game to extra time. It was a wonderful team moment that Jonny finished off.
"We knew we were the better side, the Aussies knew it, but we had to go out there and prove it."
EDDIE JONES, Australia coach
"Had Jonny Wilkinson not kicked that field goal I would be Sir Eddie Jones now and Clive Woodward would still be working.
"Matt Dawson created that field goal opportunity for Wilkinson.
"We had practised that defence but Justin Harrison just took his eye off him and he went through.
"Dawson got that extra ten metres, which created the opportunity for Wilkinson.
"We tried to target his right shoulder because he had an injury there — but he tackled everything that came his way.
"We really kept close tabs on Will Greenwood, too.
"But England were the best team in the world — by one minute.
