England celebrated a glorious victory, taking the glory with a breathtaking Jonny Wilkinson drop goal, just 26 seconds from the final whistle of a thrilling final in Sydney.
A TV audience of millions, in the UK and around the world, watched as captain Martin Johnson became the first to lead a northern hemisphere team to the world title.
After a dramatic match, in which extra time could not separate the teams, it was Wilkinson’s last gasp effort that separated the sides. The closeness of the game was testament to Australia's battling performance, but in the end they fell just short. The final win represented four years of improvement from the England team and could provide a blueprint for this rapidly improving side heading into the next world cup in 2015.
The battling display in Sydney saw England wrestled the cup away from an Aussie side who fought tooth and nail to become the first team to retain the trophy.
The match started with Australia in the ascendency as Tuqiri out-jumped Jason Robinson to a huge Stephen Larkham kick with just six minutes on the clock. Australia deserved their initial lead and it was three Wilkinson penalties that brought England back into contention.
Other notable performances included Martin Johnson, who led from the front with a towering performance and Dallaglio and flanker Richard Hill caused numerous problems down the middle of the pitch.
Just as England looked set to establish themselves and cruise to victory, two sloppy penalties allowed Australia to claw back into contention.
The match started with Australia in the ascendency as Tuqiri out-jumped Jason Robinson to a huge Stephen Larkham kick with just six minutes on the clock. Australia deserved their initial lead and it was three Wilkinson penalties that brought England back into contention.
Other notable performances included Martin Johnson, who led from the front with a towering performance and Dallaglio and flanker Richard Hill caused numerous problems down the middle of the pitch.
Just as England looked set to establish themselves and cruise to victory, two sloppy penalties allowed Australia to claw back into contention.
Referee Andre Watson prepared to blow for full time and Flatley converted his third kick of the half to push the match into extra time.
The players looked understandably exhausted after giving their all to this amazing encounter.
But nothing could deny this England team and Wilkinson sealed a deserved victory, which has gone down as the most memorable result in English rugby history. Can the class of 2015 repeat this feat?
The players looked understandably exhausted after giving their all to this amazing encounter.
But nothing could deny this England team and Wilkinson sealed a deserved victory, which has gone down as the most memorable result in English rugby history. Can the class of 2015 repeat this feat?
To commemorate England’s historic win we are offering 10% OFF photos from the final, find them here.
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