Rugby 2003. Quarterfinal. England v Wales

9 November 2003
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 45,252
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

[@jamesplumb4517]

The 'impartial' Aussie commentators are awesome... brilliant!

[@littlezit2]

That drop kick from Wilko at the end was class.

[@tatemericanpsycho]

Yeah, right after those convict commentators were running their mouth about South African Cat "usurping" him in the 2nd half.

[@jackofswords7]

Better than watching England beat Wales (again after 17 years) was hearing the Aussie commentators having to suck up the result.

[@pippiperade4030]

Quite agree.. England described as 'robotic' by one of the boss-eyed Aussie commentators who was clearly on a mission.

[@aitchr8770]

Weren't they a bunch of whiners

[@uptoapoint7157]

Surely Robinson's run is the best individual effort in a generation against a quality team. Solid pass at the end to finish it off.

[@the_one_eyed_man_is_cursed]

It's so obvious who the commentators are cheering for. I loved that 2003 campaign, England shut EVERYBODY up.

[@Hamish1664]

Apart from winning the World Cup, my abiding/favourite memory is the utter _fear_ in the Australian commentator’s bias. They couldn’t have been more blatant. It was so satisfying to shut them up. Also, brilliant to know that plastic-taff Colin charvis’ turbo arrogant try celebration would ultimately leave him with egg on his face.

[@BigBoshV]

That first Wales try was so good but even at the time seeing Robinson starting to run between our defence you knew something special was going to happen there. What a run!!!

[@tollyt7465]

I remember this game so well.. I was with one of my best mates who's Welsh, and both played front row.. This was a great game, with a distinctly average Wales side (apart from a few) giving it a real go, but even schroedes said " If we're not 15 ahead by half time we will lose, as we can't keep this up in the pack, we're going to get over run later on".. The commentators were so biased "robotic England" even made him laugh out loud.. That 2003 side didn't just have plan A, but B, C and D when needed, with no other side coming close realistically.. Even in the final the Aussies only looked close because of such abysmal refereeing around the scrummage. I think they missed Richard Hill in this game, especially early on, as he was for me the best 6 I've ever seen, and the glue that made the pack tick.. Freed up so many around him with his unseen graft..

[@darthmong7196]

I think we need to locate the Welsh genius who called Greenwood 'Rodney Trotter'.

[@SolarMumuns]

Thanks Mike Catt, you deserve your medal!

[@harrynewiss4630]

what a joy to watch Jason Robinson was

[@Stokie09123]

Sheer class from Robinson.

[@paulcook7986]

I was never more proud to be an Englishman than during this game, they didn’t quit, they kept going. Brill

[@paulcook7986]

Jonny Wilkinson’s first conversion was incredible.

[@darthmong7196]

He only took one.

[@nicholasbridgwater3449]

Best to watch this match with the commentary turned of

[@wobblertv8083]

The Aussie Commentators are a well balanced bunch, a chip.on both shoulders.....

[@fairplaynationalist2]

Lots of comparisons between Robinson and Shane Williams, both of whom you have to admire greatly. This game highlighted the comparison. While I could imagine Robinson doing what Williams did in the Welsh tries I couldn't imagine Williams doing the same in Greenwood;s try.

[@DavidJones-tv5hx]

Well Shane Williams had a better try scoring rate, scored more in his career, had better handling skills and was more creative; so I'd take him. That said Robinson was an astonishing player and had greater power.

[@lukelaw3605]

F****** commentators need to b sacked piece off shit

[@oliprj8676]

Shane had a great try scoring record but no way was he better than Jason Robinson. And I say that as a Welshman 👍

[@DayDoDoeDontDayDoe]

Jason Robinson still the greatest outside back the Northern Hemisphere has ever produced in my opinion. Robinsons defense was exceptional too

[@coldstreamer9574]

The Australian commentators were so gutted when Wales didn’t score that first try! 🤣🤣🤣

[@maverick4177]

They were even more gutted a few weeks later 🤣

[@ryanbrimson8238]

@@maverick4177 😂🤣

[@sockington1]

yeah - commentators as biased as these are as entertaining as the rugby

[@Sanctified57]

The only thing the commentators would say at the end of Englands hard fought victory against Wales was “they’ve gone down fighting” in reference to Wales. Good grief

[@non-masturbatingtyrannosau3476]

England winning the world cup was worth it to rub it into these commentators

[@jordanyarka6138]

Miss this rwc days back in the late 2000's even 2002 & 2003 my team was england that time Jonny Wilkinson Jason Robinson Matt tindell Dawson Ben Cohen so much more this england rugby 15 team was unstoppable & they were monster tough to beat

[@josephhydon5992]

Mike Catt was on fire in the second half

[@mrcmaths4613]

You also realize how biased they were too. Poetic justice at the end.

[@erniebailey1]

I suspect that the commentater really didn't want his team to meet England later and of course his fears were justified later

[@hjhs5922]

I don’t think I ever heard Dallaglio referred to as “the crab”?! What was that guy on about!’

[@paulcook7986]

He was talking out of his arse.

[@darthmong7196]

Ironic that try in the final came from one such run.

[@tomdavies6368]

Alain Rolland killed us twice in the RWC.

[@JP1234815]

The difference came in the 2nd half when Wales had to make an incredible 120 + tackles. England keeping the ball in hand, going through the phases and a clear policy of every time they got in the 22 come away with points.

[@expressoevangelism80]

It’s odd that the Welsh threw so many not straight line out balls without penalty, but to listen to the commentators you’d think that the English got away with murder. Isn’t it odd how we see things differently?

[@josephlennon8475]

Rugby is an odd game. You may think you have dominated. But, sometimes, you lose.

[@kamyueloh]

I know the game was already up but the take by Wilkinson for the final drop goal was better than the kick itself. It was a very poor pass...

[@wingcommanderdaltonwalton67]

Are you still sure about that?

[@martinluke9470]

That was a hard watch. Wales played great rugby.

[@99louisB]

You deserve alot more subscribers than you have! Great work man keep it up!

[@Lavadude13]

Always remember this being a cracking game, shame we lost and England went on to win the RWC but our discipline cost us. Still after our respectable performances against NZ and England I was proud of our boys in 2003, really can been seen as the beginning of what was to come despite some hiccups that follow

[@ninthgate100]

I have heard everything now.Waldorf and Statler praising Cockbain for the cheapest of cheap shots on Martin Johnson.

[@brymorian]

Ninthgate, johnson.was the biggest fist man in englsnd

[@Sanctified57]

England wouldn’t have reached the semifinals without Jonny Wilkinson. His penalties, drop kicks, and conversions accounted for the vast majority of Englands points

[@soddof7972]

But as has been said, for instance the first penalty against Wales here was an offside which stopped an overlap. No offside = highly probable try.

[@robertknights3726]

That hit on Robinson was a red, straight to the head

[@elfedmorris595]

Great match.

[@the_one_eyed_man_is_cursed]

@55:21 Greenwood gets over the try line, doesn't come within a metre of the side but still the Aussie commentators call it 'out'. We are wishful creatures beholden to our biases when only fair judgement is needed. Lessons to learn for all (including me).

[@josephlennon8475]

Can't believe the forward passes.

[@darthmong7196]

Seriously though, how good was Mike Catt?

[@spike1927]

That Welsh support out there was absolutely phenomenal!

[@garyheaton3983]

The Ozzie commentators are so biased they even applaud the Welsh for foul play. It doesn't add to the enjoyment of the game.

[@josephlennon8475]

England supporter here. Don't you Welsh ever give up? You will win a world cup one day.

[@Talbot6832]

Gosh, did they hand pick the most anglophobic commentators in Australia for this game or what? Some real spite and bitterness in their language. Say what you want about English commentators but they've never been as spiteful as that.

[@dennisattwood6392]

End

[@jeremymerrifield7244]

Lawrence nick name " The Crab" so an easy target..lol. 2 weeks later he makes Robinson's try...

[@paulsutton4084]

England! Still the only northern Hemispere country to win Rugbyand Football world cups!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulsutton4084]

Sorry,only nation in the World !!!!!!!!

[@darthmong7196]

​@paulsutton4084 would've just been quicker to just edit your comment

[@expressoevangelism80]

The Australian commentary was so typically partisan.

[@markgeary5897]

Australian commentator,"The village of Caernarvon in Wales"ha

[@MultiVince95]

Sunday 9th November 2003

[@MrChristbait]

I love non biased commentators?🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@garyheaton3983]

"I don't think there's any doubt about his speed its just the ball was faster" great commentary????

[@ZEP0034]

Best world cup ever

[@soddof7972]

Who is Neil Catt?

[@eturfrey]

Wonder if these Aussie commentators cried in their beer along with the Welsh team they were bigging up all the way through this match.

[@peteharry351]

Hugely flattering scoreline, for the Welsh. As an Engishman, I've always wondered what it would be like to watch my team play a game officiated by a neutral referee - as perfectly demonstrated by the ridiculous decision to send the Greenwood try for review.

[@markrandall303]

Th commentators just love England......))

[@deanmorgan7011]

I see a lot of abuse against other teams from both English and Welsh people and that I don't want to get involved in, but I think if Mike cat never cane on things could have been different, Woodward new he had to bring cat on to pin wales back and he did exactly that

[@darthmong7196]

It was more than that. Jonny was immense. His work rate was relentless. Smashing people, hitting rucks, taking over at nine when Dawson was at the bottom of a ruck. And the Welsh were also targeting him. Catt's intervention was to a)Take decision-making pressure off Jonny b) Get another first receiver on the pitch to give another target to the Welsh and c) allow Jonny to play his game - smashing people etc

[@Bainesey89]

England missed Richard Hill badly in this game.

[@oliprj8676]

Well they won so no they didn't

[@isthatthebestyougot4845]

Yes but Wales scored 3 tries... England only scored 1 !

[@benjaminconnolly535]

Wales, England, both amazing teams, and will both defend their country till they die but it’s important to remember, we’re both better than Scotland 😂

[@andrewbarton-willson495]

Wales had good chances to win this game

[@MrAmericanbeauty]

i remember having £100 on wales +10 in this match, with England 8 points up in overtime, all england had to do was kick it out and my bet was up, but for some inexplicable reason 5 england players didnt take the logical option, the rest is history!!

[@josephlennon8475]

We won the world cup.

[@mrcmaths4613]

Watching this back 18 years later cannot believe how desperately biased the antipodean commentators were. I guess they just wanted someone to beat England so we did not win the World Cup in their own backyard. But wait a minute we did win. Not even that crap South African referee could stop us. Again funny when you look back and watch the games. England never conceded any penalties at scrum time yet we got pinged at crucial times in the final. Strange coincidence!

[@ay613]

Hi there, May i ask where do u think u will go when u die u dont have to answer if u dont want to?

[@elliebarnes9628]

The morgue, followed by the cemetery.

[@ay613]

@@elliebarnes9628 What about ur soul?

[@elliebarnes9628]

@@ay613 Stevie Wonder, you?

[@ay613]

@@elliebarnes9628 What?

[@elliebarnes9628]

@@ay613 Who?

[@KmT81]

I remember!The English were surprised against their'Foreigners'! Rugby players live with swollen ears for the rest of their lives!I wonder if it can't make them deaf or hard of hearing!just look at Phil Vickery 1:11:53 Great Eneglish and Welsh Teams !I was 22 When we saw Thompson, he was great but I think he doesnt want to talk about Rugby now.

[@codyturning5598]

Welsh kicking, f*** me! No wonder my Dad used to be suspicious of Stephen Jones!

[@KmT81]

Who's for this minute of silence for?

[@sellig1995t]

For those who fell during the World war 1: this match was on 9th november 2003, maybe you know the poppy day

[@KmT81]

@@sellig1995t Ok !

[@exporwalgoch4580]

pronunciation of Dafydd and Mefin 😬

[@thinkbig3384]

Dawson? Matt Dawson??

[@darthmong7196]

That would be the logical conclusion.

[@elliebarnes9628]

47:07 is the moment that probably ended Dan Luger's England career. He was subbed 3 minutes later and never played for England again. TCUP

[@dulls8475]

Australian commentators must be Wales fans. Love the false nick name for Delalio...pure fiction.

[@nomatesman]

another game we should have won but somehow lost...

[@littlezit2]

ha ha nob

[@oliprj8676]

England had Wilkinson. Wales didn't have a decent kicker. If only Neil Jenkins was a bit younger eh

[@xpat73]

27:27 today that is a red card and 6 month ban lol!

[@soddof7972]

You can score all the tries you like when you've nothing to lose but an 11 point difference shows that you are not as good. Great take and pass by Williams though

[@paulpusal7823]

UFC you get kicked in the head and now they say if you have head knock its a straight red??

[@jeremymerrifield7244]

Wales played well for 42 minutes . Then Whoooooooooooosh here comes King Jason.... ( Commentary was so so biased as well )

[@TLJGames]

Love 54:20!

[@robicenco1]

I think this is the most biased commentary I've ever heard.

[@SolarMumuns]

robicenco1 Not just biased but trashy too.

[@thinkbig3384]

My name is Gwyn. I was born and brought up in East London. I served in the British Army for 27 years.I was born into rugby as my father played inside centre for NEATH.

[@spike1927]

As usual, Wales played the more forward thinking game.

[@darthmong7196]

You mean forward 'orientated', right?

[@Tagikakibau]

Fat lot of good that did them.

[@olivermadden62]

i'm an England fan but I have to admit Wales should've beaten us here. They should've been 20 points in front at half-time instead of 7.

[@olivermadden62]

if you don't like what I say keep it to yourself.

[@oliprj8676]

They would have been if Neil Jenkins was still playing. Missed kicks at goal cost Wales dearly. But tbh coming into this tournament Wales had lost 10 games in a row and were on one of the worst runs in their history so England really should have been winning games like this at the time

[@cardigan3000]

its not biased to support the team playing exciting rugby over the dour bosh merchants

[@darthmong7196]

Up to and including this match, Wales were so exciting they scored half as many tries as England. (17 against 34).

[@jonahyoung347]

It was biased. Tell me, when were TV commentators ever meant to "support" one side over another? Sure, go ahead as a viewer, support who you like or where you are from, but commentators as well? How can you not see that? And It is not legitimate to play to your strengths? And if you do, why should you not be congratulated for playing dominant rugby, because that is what it was....and when were Jason Robinson and Mike Catt ever written up as boss merchants? Seemed to me that their second half contributions were significant in the turning of the match England's way. Open you mind to what you see, and let go of history. Wales played fantastically well in the first half, great passing, speed and of thought and belief. But were they the better team over 80 minutes?

[@Tagikakibau]

Cry more.

[@deanmorgan7011]

I've watched plenty of matches when english commentators have been super biased, John inverdale is one of the worst....

[@cardigan3000]

@@deanmorgan7011 to be fair brian moore always seems to be made up when wales beat england

[@mrcmaths4613]

Looking back at the biased Aussie co commentator, glorifying in anything the Welsh did well or England did poorly. Dad’s army had the last laugh though mate.

[@grahammitchell5444]

Great comment.

[@fairplaynationalist2]

Poor performance from England with the exception of the legendary Robinson run, against those pesky gallant going down fighting minnows

[@theninjatuna3094]

Yeah poor performance from England. But mate that means Wales played crap because we won.

[@TheDarrenguyuk]

predcted

[@Stormonnormon]

Most biast Kiwi commentator to ever hold the mike

[@twosnakse]

Except they're Aussie commntators there, mate

[@kamyueloh]

Not kiwis - scared Aussies...

[@deanmorgan7011]

@@twosnakse 😄

[@jennylast3149]

The commentary is awful so pleased England won.

[@TheDarrenguyuk]

jason robison ws faster

[@6toonboy]

These commentators are dreadful, sound like Fox news on Trump, never heard such biased reporting

[@peterdavidchessell5952]

Poor commentry

[@grahammitchell5444]

One of the worst so-called 'commentary' teams ever. Inaccuracy, exaggeration and hyperbole underlined by one-eyed jingoism stood in sharp contrast to the likes of Bill McLaren. One listened with gritted teeth.

[@omido8023]

how can the commentary be biased if the commentators are neither english or welsh you sports direct.

[@robicenco1]

You do know you can have a bias towards a country without coming from there, right?

[@kamyueloh]

o mido, you are an idiot. The bias is obvious - the Australian commentators wanted Wales to win because they knew Australia could not beat England. What happened next proved them right...

[@jonahyoung347]

@@kamyueloh Is it not true that the real reason for the incredibly biased commentary was that the Australians hate the English almost as much as the Welsh do, well just as much is perhaps more accurate, and do so in the most spiteful and scornful way? No class at all. Pitiful really.

[@cadwynjones6530]

So glad the style England played with has died out. Without a doubt the most uninteresting World Cup winning team.

[@matthewlacey5307]

cadwyn jones but at least England won it, boring or not.

[@cadwynjones6530]

Matthew Lacey I knew there'd be a comment like that, yes that can't be disputed but the style was boring..

[@tomlavender797]

cadwyn jones but did u not see what jason robinson did? thats not boring

[@jackfaulkner2688]

+cadwyn jones I think very few teams play interesting rugby in the knock out stages, also I don't think England in 03 deserved to be called uninteresting. Wales in the last two or so years under Gatland are somewhat predicable and play a dull brand of rugby. Wales are neither interesting or world cup finalists.

[@s.j.l.8736]

And how many world cups have Wales won then? To England's so called "uninteresting World cup winning team"

[@buffaloboyable]

wales clearly the much better team... 3 tries to englands 1

[@littlezit2]

score board says otherwise, prick!

[@buffaloboyable]

the score board isn't a conscious being. doesn't show how the teams played. rugby is about scoring tries. anyway, look where England are now. when was the last time you beat Wales? 4 years ago hahahahaha. PRICK

[@littlezit2]

when was the last time wales beat the all blacks, Australia, south Africa? again wales come up short, they have only ever done well when the good French and English players retire! where are wales in the rankings? that's right BELOW England and for good reason, wales cant beat the big boys! hhahah PRICK!!

[@buffaloboyable]

ok, lets get this straight. Currently... England are not as good as Wales, because they haven't beaten them for 4 years. rankings are irrelevant really. Wales have won the six nations twice in a row and are about to win it again, that means they are the best team in the northern hemisphere. 2. If England can't beat Wales, who can't beat southern hemisphere teams, doesn't it make England look worse because they can't beat Wales haha.

[@buffaloboyable]

you know what you're a fucking little zit. Im going to say it again, you cant say anything until England beat Wales. Wales are better than England at this point in time.

[@ldfreitas9437]

They would have won with cotton jerseys!