Readers praise England's World Cup victory

Saturday November 22 2003

Kudos to brave Wallabies says readers

As England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson sent his drop-goal sailing through the middle of the posts to clinch the Webb Ellis Cup for England for the first time, the e-mails came flooding in almost immediately. Praise for a deserved England victory and condolences to the brave Wallabies were prominent from all supporters as both sides were given the respect they have undoubtedly earned.

Key men: Wilkinson and Hill pose with the trophy

"As an Australian I can only say congratulations to England. You have been the worlds best for the past couple of years and it is a reward for your hard work.

"I apologise for the nonsense and borderline racism some 'trashy' newspapers were printing, but I can honestly say that 99 percent of all Australians respected your team and looked forward to the Final. The first thing a coach says to his players after a close loss is 'lift your heads', to my Wallabies, be proud of your performance and do lot think for one second that you let yourselves or your country down.

"Rugby was the winner."
- John Scott, Sydney

"Only one word to say - amazing. England played tremendous and truly deserve to win. Australia is a great team and kept it close but I think that was mostly because of England mistakes. A great cap-off to a great tournament."
- Tom Castle, Edmonton, AB, Canada

"I really don't care how the points were scored, I was on the edge of my seat the entire game. Australia played with a passion and determination that has come to characterise their nations' sportsmanship. England played with determination and passion, and eventually won a riveting game by a team effort that put pressure on and won points. Perhaps, though, I thought the constraints of TV were pandered to way too much. There was obviously a time limit set on poor Mr Howard as he presented the medals.

"But in the brief moments before the medal ceremony, I saw something of the sportsmanship associated with the game I have followed as a layer, ref and supporter for many years - opposing players congratulating and commiserating with each other, truly happy for the victors success, truly sympathetic for a game well played and lost. Perhaps, despite the professional game, something of the rugby ethos still lives."
- Peter Cain, United Kingdom

"Good job England."
- Sheeia, United Kingdom

"Congratulations to England. They have proved themselves the strongest, most consistent team in the world over the last couple of years and deserve their win. In Wilkinson, Johnson, Dallaglio they have world-class players and they had the experience to squeeze through when it really matters.

"I must also pay tribute to the Wallabies who contributed fully to a titanic clash. Written off before the tournament, they showed that they were worthy of being in the Final and came so close themselves to winning it again. Both Flatley and Wilkinson had nerves of steel and, although England seemed to have dominance in the set-pieces, there was nothing to choose between the two sides really. Hopefully, each of the sides has earned the respect and admiration of the other's supporters because they both deserve to.

"Just goes to show each should not judge the other nation by their media coverage. England's 'hacks' and newspapers are just as bad as their Aussie counterparts!"
- Owen, United Kingdom

"A well deserved win by the English ... both teams played great. Wilkinson is the hero for the English Team. So the cup eventually goes to the North for the next 4 years but it will come back to Down Under in 2007!! Go Wallabies!"
- Aman, Australia

"I think that there was some philosopher who said judge your own greatness by the quality of your enemies. I defy any narrow minded Antipodean to say England were not worthy of their victory. Especially that clown who branded England a 'rubbish' team when they beat Wales."
- Tom, United Kingdom

"That was the most intense final and England fully deserved the win what we want to know is when the time to go to London and welcome the team home is. Could you e-mail us the time this will happen come on England!"
- Guy, England

"The blood, the sweat, the tears, the critics, all mean nothing now. England have succeeded in producing the best performance of the tournament in the final game and finally silenced the tenacious Aussies.

"All credit to the Wallabies though, it sure as hell wasn't a walkover! My heart has only just begun to stop bursting out of my chest. A truly perfect ending to a World Cup. The favourites against the defenders in their home country, the tightest game you're ever likely to see, and the World Cup's golden boy winning it for the team that were criticised for using him so much!

"No complaints this time, we won it fair and square ... time to prepare for the next World Cup. England, we salute you and await your return to bring the Webb Ellis Cup back to the home of rugby! Swing low ..."
- P, United Kingdom

"What a great game ... both sides playing with passion. I thought the ref had an excellent game and justified being chosen for the second time in a row. What a shame that the ITV commentators had to disagree with virtually every decision that went against England. Well done to the whole England team, not just Jonny. I'm not an England fan but they deserved the win and I'm glad they made it stick at the end there."
- Joel Milenkovic, United Kingdom

"Thank G*d that England held on to win. Any other result would have been a travesty when you looked at the game. Up until this point I have been a great fan of Andre Watson, but with England playing the more positive rugby, completely owning the scrums, line-outs and general play.

"Somehow the Australians where simply handed enough penalties to bring them back into the game. Three penalties at crucial times handed to the Wallabies for being shoved around in the scrum. Justice prevailed. Australia played an excellent game, it was a competitive game, but nowhere near the final result.

"Well done England, but also well done Australia, not only did they play a great game, in great spirit, but yet again they showed the whole world how to put on a true sporting show."
- Dan, America

"For all those who ever, ever doubted him, his nerve and more importantly his ability had to eat humble pie after that. The World Cup's destiny fell to Jonny Wilkinson, and he did not miss. Forget Michalak, forget Spencer and forget Larkham, this guy is the best in the world.

"England had a team full of heroes on a night when they needed them. Hill was again brilliant in the dirty work, and Dallaglio had his best game of the tournament. 'Wilko' controlled the game and kicked well, and Robinson looked dangerous every time he got the ball.

"But for all those great performances, Johnson stood out head and shoulders above the rest. After 83 magnificent performances for England, he produced his best in the World Cup Final. He won ball in the line-out, he carried the ball forward, he rucked out and he made tackle after tackle. He led the England team in a way no-one has ever done before, and he more than anyone deserved his winners medal.

"That said, they all deserved it. This was not 100 minutes work, this was four years work. Woodward stuck with young players such as Wilkinson, Cohen, Greenwood and Thompson even when they were unpopular, and made big players such as Hill and Johnson perform. Also, the list of players who has found will go down in history - Robinson, Lewsey, Cohen, Tindall, Thompson, Woodman, Kay, Moody, Balshaw. He also gave players such as Wilkinson, Greenwood, Catt, Dawson, Dallaglio, Leonard and Vickery second chances which they all took. His ability to spot international players is without question.

"But at the end of it all, England won, and that it all that matters."
- Robins, United Kingdom

"Firstly, a MASSIVE well deserved congrats to the Best side in the World - England. Secondly, unlucky Oz, you played a good match and well deserve a massive mention."
- Janice, England

"We have just witnessed the death of world rugby. Great win Wilkinson."
- Mat, New Zealand

"I have never felt so scared and so elated in such a short time, possibly the most exciting game of rugby ever?. A side of giants playing against a damn good Australian squad, but wasn't it nice to see 'Billy Whiz' run through Wendell Sailor. The only person who had a bit of a shocker was André Watson, mostly ok, but some bizarre if not scandalous decisions. Selective blindness or incompetence, not sure. I'm looking forward to the Aussie press's reaction, a new definition of whinging?"
- Max Stanton, Bristol, England

"There was plenty of Aussie talk earlier in the tournament when England had 16 men on the field for a few seconds. What are they going to say now when they themselves had 16 men on the field for the whole match! Watson was a disgrace!!

"Despite it all, England fully deserved what was a glorious win. What a team. Credit too must go to the Australians who never gave up and battled to the end despite being well beaten in most areas of the game. This is a great result for northern hemisphere rugby. Lets hope it acts as the catalyst for even greater things in the future [if that's possible]."
- JDS, USA

"Irrespective of the result this was a phenomenal finale to a great tournament. Two absolutely world-class teams producing a great display of pressure rugby. England prove that choking is not a malaise that they are familiar with. "Hats off to Australia, they played their hearts out and made for one of the great sporting events in recent times. But what can you say about England, they were majestic, 1 to 22 they played brilliantly.

"The forwards did everything that they were asked to do and more and were immense [apart from losing over-throwing at the lineout again], and yet again Mike Catt made such an impact when he came on. His mid-field penetration was what they had been missing earlier. A team of heroes to rival those of '66, and Jonny sealed his and the boy's fortune with that kick."
- Stuart, United Kingdom

"Oh how very sweet it is! Bitter sweet! Well done England, it feels terrific doesn't it? Though it was not to be for the Wallabies it was a fantastic, no absolutely fantastic contest between two brilliant sides. And the character and courage on display by every player that took the field was awe-inspiring. Though it is always hard to digest a Wallaby loss, this one I can comfortably live with for I know that they gave absolutely everything; there was no gas left in the tank. They so nearly pulled of the impossible dream. Jeez what a game!

"I never wanted 'Bill' to go North, but how could you resent it's departure after a game like tonight's? A little warning though we want it back and the look on Eddie Jones face after the medal ceremony was not a defeated look but one of steely resolve. The planning has already begun! Congratulations again England you are worthy world champions. See you in France in four years."
- Mark, Australia

"Congratulations to England. It broke my heart that the Wallabies lost, but if I am honest about it, I have to admit it just would not have been 'right' if England did not win. They were the better side on the day. Congratulations also to Australia. A valiant effort, and all the players from 1 through to 22 and the reserves deserve a giant pat on the back. Everyone put their heart and soul into it and there is nobody to blame.

"They did their best. As a side note, it was interesting to see that Eddie Jones got such a huge cheer from the crowd when getting his medal after the game, good on him and good on the Aussie supporters. In contrast, John Mitchell has his job on the line and the AB's are looking at a horrific home-coming. It's little wonder they 'choke' with all that pressure from their seemingly spiteful fans."
- Vic, Australia

"Fantastic! Thought I would die when the nerveless Flatley equalised before full time, then again when he equalised with two minutes of ET to go, but cometh the hour and cometh the heroes, from the pack setting it up, to Dawson breaking to make a few more yards, to Jonny-boy kicking the greatest drop-goal in English history!

"Once it has sunk in we will truly appreciate what this England team has achieved over the last few years, culminating in this final triumph, and maybe even the snide knockers from the southern hemisphere will now shut up and say well done. But then who cares if they don't? England are WORLD CHAMPIONS! Read it and weep 'Campo'!"
- Matthew, United Kingdom

"A fine win by England. If Australia could have won by kicking goals they would have been delighted to do it, so I hope there will be no sour grapes from any of them.

"My only complaint is that Mike Catt was not used from the start, or at least brought on earlier. England looked twice the side with him on the pitch. Magnificent effort by the forwards. Wilkinson slipped from perfection to only 99 percent perfect. What more can anyone say about Robinson other than that English hearts rose whenever he had the ball. I am sure Australian hearts sank correspondingly, they had to use at least two players to stop him every time, and he often took on the role of a forward at the breakdown with no noticable problems.

"Who can ever replace Martin Johnson? No English player failed to do his utmost, and all deserved to be winners. Do not forget the coaches, physios etc, it was a team effort by more than just the team."
- Albert, United Kingdom

"I would just like to congratulate the English boys on a first win, you all merit this one. For my compatriots, You guys are the greatest! You make me proud to be Australian!"
- Wally, Australia

"I had this strange feeling, after our first try, when the conversion hit the post, that we might miss those two points later on. Good game, good refereeing, congratulations England. Congratulations also to Planet Rugby for picking the winner and margin correctly! Wilkinson will probably get all the credit for that last drop goal, but your halfback's last dart probably made the difference between a successful drop goal and a missed one."
- Ivan, Australia

"What an exciting match. In the end the extra-time made it all the more exciting, but it only went to extra-time because the referee stopped any contest in the front row - one area where England would have dominated. Either this is some new intepretation of scrummaging laws, or it was Australia's turn to have sixteen players on the pitch.

"Apart from that, great commitment from both teams. England were let down by their handling [which cost at least one try], and some stupidity at the ruck, but more than made up for it with ferocious tackling which neutralised Mortlock.

"The Australian team has played exceptionally well in the last two matches. All credit to them - and unlike [it seems] most Australians [or at least, Campese and the press], they've done themselves credit. In the end, though they were lucky to hang in so long.

"Man of the match? Mike Tindall? He snuffed out the Australian midfield threat and was dangerous with ball in hand. Points for England to improve upon: Line out throwing, ball-retention."
- Alex, London

"England is not my favorite team but I have to admit ... the best team won. They are certainly the best team in the world. Yes they are boring to a certain extent but who said being fancy wins you games!? Ask New Zealand and France.

"As a South African I would have liked the Cup to stay in the southern hemisphere but it was not to be. England were not only the best team on the day, they are the best team on any day.It is hard to see any team in world rugby that has the ability to beat England on any given day at any given place (home or away). Well Done Woodward!"
- Amani, South Africa

"What a fantastic match of rugby! But Im English. So it would be. All credit to both teams in difficult conditions, but I felt that we were superior in every aspect of the play except the line-out where we were both pretty poor! I didn't understand the scrums where it appeared that we were totally dominant but were penalised a lot. Does anyone know how to officiate the scrum? I thought Robinson's try was fantastic but the moment of the match was that drop-goal!

"What a way to finish a quite outstanding tournament. Its great to see Johnno and co. smile. Thanks Planet Rugby for adding to the whole occasion and well done Australia for staging easily the best world cup. Roll on 2007 for back to back World Cup wins ..."
- JC, United Kingdom

"Well done England, you've done us and rugby proud!!! It's great to see opposing fans sat together enjoying what turned out to be a momentous occasion. 'Campo' ... just shut up and disappear into the outback you silly man."
- Jason Adams, Bristol, UK

"Absolutely fantastic performance! What worries me though is the new spotlight on rugby stardom. We must ensure that our precious game, the best in the world, does not become sullied by all the sleaze that attends professional football. Sadly, I think that if not controlled properly, our boys' incredible achievement could be the worst thing that ever happened to English rugby."
- Steve Hipsey, Plymouth

"Well done England, take a bell you deserve to win it you have done a lot not only for English rugby but for rugby in general and it was only fitting that Jonny Wilkinson scored that goal to seal England the victory and the World Cup Australia don't deserve to win even though they played well against the All Blacks and England there lacklusture performances through the whole year doesn't justify them winning the World Cup.

"Thank you England, now that you are world champions hopefully this will generate interest in the game back in your country and don't forget the minnows, they have been well-supported by the huge crowds who attended the games and have played some very entertaining rugby. It's about time the IRB stepped in and started helping these nations strengthen the game in there country. Last, but not least, thank you Australia - you have put on a great show. Pretty gutted the All Blacks weren't there though, but will we be back in 2007 and I'm confident it will be our time but I'm happy for England. Enjoy your victory."
- Thomas Gisborne, New Zealand

"What a match, what a tournament!!! Congratulations to everyone who took part whether players, organisers, reporters or supports. Rugby was the winner."
- Graeme, France

"It was an absolute delight to see Neil Back with his daughter at the presentation ... a moment she will learn to fully treasure in years to come. Glad he didn't drop her forward though!!!! Neil Back puts his head where angels fear to tread!!!"
- Colin Smith

"I'm a South African living in England. A huge Springbok supporter. All I can say is fair play to the English. They deserved the Rugby World Cup. I would have preferred to see the Cup stay in the southern hemisphere, but the English proved they are worthy of the World Cup. Well done England. See you in four years ...."
- Duncan Ward