7 Most Dramatic Finishes In Rugby Union History

England remain the only northern hemisphere team to lift the Webb Ellis trophy in its 33 year history. In 2003, they went into the Rugby World Cup tournament as favourites, coming off 10 successive victories over New Zealand, South Africa and Australia and winning the Six Nations Championship, securing the Grand Slam.

However, the journey to the final was by no means an easy one. Stiff competition against the likes of Samoa and South Africa in their group, followed by tight encounters with Wales and France in the Quarter and Semi Final respectively. England came from behind in each of their knock out stage matches, notable thanks to the reliable boot of the 23 year old Fly Half, Jonny Wilkinson.

The final took place at the Telstra Stadium (now ANZ Stadium), Sydney on the 22nd November. Their opponents? None other than the host nation, Australia. Managed by, now England coach, Eddie Jones.

England looked to return the favour, having lost the final to the Wallabies at Twickenham when they hosted the tournament back in 1991.

England found themselves, once again, behind on the score sheet. Lote Tuqiri using his height advantage against speedster, Jason Robinson, early on to snatch a perfectly executed up and under to give Australia a 5-0 lead.

Wilkinson added points from the tee to edge England in front, 9-5, before delivering the final pass to Robinson to put him in the corner. They led 14-5 at the half time. A score line which should have been a lot more comfortable. Second Row, Ben Kay, agonisingly spilling the ball metres from the try line on the 25th minute.

Despite having the momentum, England would fail to add to their score in the second half as Australia gradually closed the gap thanks to the boot of Elton Flatley.

The final had not one but two dramatic closing moments, one in normal time, other in extra time. With two minutes to go, Australia had a scrum. Referee, Andre Watson, controversially awarding a penalty to the hosts, which Flatley converted in the final play, making the score 14-14 to take the game to additional time.

Wilkinson and Flatley exchange penalties and, with a minute remaining, England were set midfield in the Australian half. It was evident that England were setting for a drop goal. As the Wallabies anticipated this, Scrum Half, Matt Dawson sniped round the ruck, bringing England into the 22m area. Captain, Martin Johnson set up for one more phase as Dawson passed back to the England Fly Half...and the rest is history.

Wilkinson, despite three prior failed attempts in the game, slotted the drop goal, off his weak foot to give his country the lead with 20 seconds remaining. But it wasn't over yet.

A special mention has to go to England Hooker, Trevor Woodman, who had the responsibility of gathering the tricky restart, which he did, preventing the Wallabies setting up a final attack.

Mike Catt booted the ball out to secure England's first and only Rugby World Cup Final victory. They would make further appearances in the final of competitiion, in losing efforts to current champions South Africa, in 2007 and 2019.