RWC 2003 final highlights: Wilkinson drops for World Cup glory

Watch highlights of England's sensational win over Australia the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, sealed by a last-gasp drop-goal from Jonny Wilkinson.

[@sureshot8399]

Quite possibly the most dramatic game of rugby ever played.

[@edwardcorry9598]

One of the best days of my life! I was in Basra Iraq watching the game in a tent. All our concerns disappeared while watching the game- absolutely fantastic!!!

[@stevefowler3398]

Glad you got out sade mate. Cheers. And thanks.

[@seanhill3192]

What a game! What other country can say they’ve won the Football World Cup, Cricket World Cup and The Rugby World Cup? Oh England we love you!!!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@skalaskanstefan]

I was 10 when this happened, I remember watching this.. and the French commentators praising Wilkinson so much - what an amazing kicker he was. Loved him and O'Gara

[@nicnac360]

i still can't watch this without crying! what an emotional match and still one of the best days of my life. Just remember being in a pub from 7am and when the final whistle went some massive 17 stone guy just grabbed me and started crying! Haha, totally amazing. Legends, all of them!

[@AlfredoJacome]

Where was that ?? England or Europe (UK) ?????

[@peterwhitaker4038]

@@AlfredoJacome it was in Australia...just south of Dover

[@070Franc.]

I’m a Samoan living in Australia who supports England this was the first rugby match that got me hyped and pushed me to start playing rugby seeing Wilkinson josh lewsey robinson back then motivated me to play I was only 8 years old when I got this feeling seeing England win I’m now 24 with a son and wife hoping I get this same feeling tomorrow, also love how manu tuilagi is the only Samoan there that def would’ve been me if I had kept going with my rugby !! GO ENGLAND !!

[@rmlfilms123]

I am Irish but I was delighted for England and still get goosebumps looking at that drop goal and the reactions. I do however also have great respect for Australian rugby. I suppose I'm just a true fan of the game and credit where credit is due. 2003 was wonderful overall for European rugby.

[@IamMcBobb]

Here hoping I get to do the same this year but with Sexton slotting the drop goal. So long as it's not the ABs that win I'm happy.

[@rmlfilms123]

Oh yeah! That would be a nice finish to the year :) Don't mind AB's too much - I'll always hold them responsible for getting me into the game :-)

[@IamMcBobb]

Rita-Marie Lawlor My problem isn't the team, it's how everyone treats them like they're rugby gods and totally the best at everything ever and number 1-15 are all the best in their respective position because All Blacks. I think they get away with murder on the pitch too, the last RWC was stolen from the French by some horrific reffing calls.

[@kingdaniel69]

+MrMcBobb The problem is, they generally are the best in the world from 1-15, btw I'm English.

[@justclosing]

+Rita-Marie Lawlor That's the difference between rugby and football fans.

[@79Adam]

Watching this game was the highlight of my marriage. I'm not married anymore.

[@BillSaltbush]

Ha ha ha! Maybe it's the Southside cocktails with which I'm momentarily super-charged, but I thought this was the funniest thing I read today. As an Aussie non-rugby fan, I am reminded of the time (November 2003) when I had a house full of cousins from the old country in the house that night. They were utterly delighted. Me? Indifferent - I didn't/still don't understand the game.My then indifference has altered a little only hours after the Aussies put England out of the 2015 cup. Retribution for the Ashes debacle.

[@matthewlacey5307]

ho ho. Me too. watched the game at a mate's house live at about 8am, despite a forewarning that I had to do something else, got hammered, and that moment was the precursor.Glad I jumped around my mate's house at that drop goal; that moment is one of the best of my life. PS My ex and I are now great friends and mum and Dad.

[@roniahmed4805]

Adam fantastic

[@doug6500]

Well just you know not a year afterward you guys got whitewashed in your own back yard. Hows that for your 'indifference' heh? ;)

[@russe19642]

Same here on both,gee i miss that game and im aussie

[@jwcorcoran9838]

Greatest game of rugby I've ever seen and this is coming from an Aussie

[@del2591]

Never tire of watching Wilko's drop goal, pure genius!

[@neilinely]

No, just skilful under pressure. It was the obvious choice to make, so probably the opposite of genius.

[@nicklynch8092]

I was 9 when this happened, I went crazy. Still get goosebumps watching this, what a terrific English team that was

[@joeltanton9385]

I was 7 this was the team that inspired me! That's why I'm so passionate about rugby; love the game!!!

[@roanfurse1824]

Joel Tanton I WAS 3 ! im a fkn badass

[@gillso9840]

I was 5 still remember bits of it what a match

[@toyosi3894]

I was 9 when this happened ans now im a scrum half (magic of the game)

[@carlaspinall7418]

A classic match which i watch back in this year rugbymadfan

[@KymMorris]

How can watching highlights of a bit of sport make a man cry? And yet it did. Just like watching the game live 12 years ago. What a team.

[@miguelbindon6276]

This was Englands best team in all sports to be world champion. Fabulous team and the extra super plus of Wilkinson. His performance and the emotion of the end of the match make this moment unique and unforgettable. Cheers from Argentina.

[@doc_louie]

traidor

[@RandomoddjobTask]

Gotta give both sets of fans respect the atmosphere in that stadium was out of this world and what a great game that was

[@anglesyman]

Englishman here who was living in Wales at the time of this final. The win was even sweeter for the fact that all the locals wanted Australia to win!!

[@georgesblond9265]

ghhç'dgdlsgddhgff'sxs'dcdddk2rexbs?descend' zjeezn!

[@georgesblond9265]

ddndldedckvjclvkvcvhbifjggtedhfet

[@paddyanglais91]

Wales will never make a WC final imo

[@jamesparkins5400]

Brans 2468 haha England are shite...

[@6jackace]

paddyanglais91 look more likely to than england rn to be fair.

[@gloutuplou]

La plus belle finale à mes yeux, l Angleterre et vs Australie. Match serré, et a la dernière minute Jonny Wilkinson met un drop et offre aux siens la victoire. Mémorable. 🎵Go Jonny Go 🎶. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@thomasmuller6301]

Jonny Wilkinson is our best player ever, he won us this World Cup

[@RokomalaniTalemaisolomone]

The best rugby world cup final ever in the history of rugby ❤

[@bodhid]

Epic. I have the greatest respect for the Aussies, always stubborn dogged bastards on the field of play and to beat them in their backyard was sensational. That team really were GREAT, they exuded confidence, nous and experience. You would have put your life on Wilko to kick that. So many legends in that side.

[@tompaine188]

it never gets boring you've just got to watch it over and over again

[@Raichu234]

Chills without commentary! Wow what a day :D

[@HeadGrinderMusicUK]

awesome, that 2003 team was easily one of the best rugby teams of all time

[@stephenreeds3632]

If it hadn't been for the ref, Eng could have walked it. Why collapse a scrum when you've won the ball?

[@sheepay99]

Not difficult when the professional era of the sport has been so short compared with other professional sports ...

[@jamesellis5616]

I was one years old when this was played and the grit and determination from the England squad was amazing this match inspired me to play rugby and I am now in my eighth year of playing even knowing I didn't watch this live I still get goosebumps watching what a great day in English rugby history. :)

[@kembekanana]

The best world cup grand final ever.

[@ianhorsburgh9867]

Was in Oz for this, ozzies so sure they were going to lift the cup and were jumping up and down with joy, til Jonny kicked and then as they came down, the brits were up, like a slow motion film, love rugby and this will go down in my life as one of those top moments, awesome match, will never be beaten for heart stopping moments

[@walterfrancis6896]

6:15 Praise to be Jonny Wilkinson, true hero of the England National Rugby Team

[@Kratos-005]

Some of these tackles are monstrously awesome. Really physical. Great to see.

[@KipClips]

Whose here after the 2019 final? (England fan trying to feel better 😅)

[@hanoitripper1809]

Oz shuda won this

[@seb7120]

Kip Clips same

[@cwpang8]

The referee for the England South Africa match was a so unfair, i hate him

[@bendoesstuff468]

Hi kip

[@kevinoconnor4954]

@@hanoitripper1809 BUT THEY DID'NT DID THEY

[@slysiification]

Walkabout pub Brighton for every game, and to say the pub went mental after the final whistle is an understatement. I will never forget it.

[@ThomasJohnKenny]

I watched this match in 2003 in Auckland. I was working in O'Hagans pub on the viaduct at the time. I think I was nearly one of the only people in the pub at the time supporting the Aussies! Most of the Kiwi's wanted England to win (It was all in the spirit of fun though!). Memorable match all the same.

[@jaqe0909]

How are you verified

[@ThomasJohnKenny]

@@jaqe0909 😂 why do you ask?

[@91danhills]

Sat in Liverpool university library watching this with tears in my eyes!

[@scregge]

im eating my breakfast in a Sydney Hostel right now, and that just brought a tear out my eye. I was 8 when this happened but still remember where I was. Such a great day.

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

After this match i sat down and wrote my feelings about how this moment made me feel as an Englishman...i then wrote a lyrical piece of poetry about those feelings, hoping to turn that moment of pride about my country into something worthy and beautiful. Sadly i lost that piece of writing. In between 2003 and 2013(for ten years), i searched high and low(pardon the pun) for that poetic piece of writing. In that time i made many connections in the Music Industry and told many writers i may one day stumble across this piece of writing......then a miracle happened...I FOUND IT....a Soprano sang it after a musician wrote music for it....and we released it. This is my gentle little gift to all the folk all over the world who love their country England...and for anyone else who may enjoy it....it may never have been written if Jonny Wilkinson hadn't put that ball through those sticks!! Nice one Jonny..and the England Team...maybe it might become England's National Anthem one fine day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noa6n62LnJKkb9k ENJOY.....it is a simple recording...with a beautiful voice and can also be found on Spotify...SWEET LADY ENGLAND by Hannah Drury. An English rose for and English anthem for English heroes.

[@quarky6395]

18 years later, and it still brings a tear to my eye!

[@Britalex]

Tear to my eye. One of my favourite childhood memories!

[@alex-mx4fu]

I'm French and I was 10 years old, Wilkinson the gold foot, we called him :)

[@owenfazza6349]

The game that clearly cemented Jonny Wilkinson as the best no.10 to ever play the game of rugby

[@Oliver-zm2ho]

Did Dan Carter play golf?

[@moptopbaku6022]

@@Oliver-zm2ho Might as well have done.

[@Adam-im3uz]

Hahahaha

[@youlesie23]

As much as I love Jonny, it's Carter. Take nothing away from Jonny, Dan was just that good

[@stewartwalter407]

Radar controlled kicker and rock steady under pressure for sure, but do you seriously think he has a complete skill set better than Dan Carter?

[@phonossmith1310]

As an Australian I still get pissed to this day

[@nick260682]

Phonos Smith in fairness if you watch the whole game, England got screwed by the ref all game at the scrum. A dominant England scrum kept getting penalised for Australia’s discretions. It was easily the correct outcome.

[@saberracer026]

Jonny Bloody Wilkinson!!!

[@paulmcdonough1093]

As A ENGLISH person I am happy ha ha

[@davehoward22]

Im english and was pissed literally

[@jacoventer4580]

@Jon Jones 32-12? Jk 😅👀

[@vicentesalvador4406]

The best rwc final ever

[@paulknight1332]

19 years ago today - I never tire of watching this...:)

[@acxezknightnite1377]

Jonny was such a legend, especially how he shied away from being given all the glory.

[@Giskard1000]

Great video. No music. No commentary. Just drama! A great memory re-lived.

[@AMULET72]

I was living in Sydney (St. John's Road, Glebe.) with a mix of English and Australians in the house when this game was being played. Being Irish, of course I was totally neutral in the run up to the game and I decided I would let my housemates behaviour decide who I would shout for on the day. I wished that ball over the bar in the dying seconds for an English victory. Good man Jonny, I thought. There's only one thing more annoying than cocky English sports fans and that's Australian ones 😜😜. the English people in the house were very surprised I wanted England to win and afterwards one of the English lads, John from Dorset, felt he needed to apologise to me personally for the potato famine and we agreed, eventually, that he really didn't need to 😊 We had a great time in that house with a great mix of people. I felt lucky to have been part of it all and the World Cup was only one of the many many great memories I have of my time in that wonderful country.

[@hanoitripper1809]

Lmao i lived on glebe point road.. i take it u never watched rugby with kiwis when they lose.. 🤜 💥 💥 💥

[@jay71512]

@J G what you have you have just written is hilarious considering the scum badge pmsl!

[@c4ar1zard]

As an Englishman I will always love this. But as a fan of the game, it's a shame what's happened with Union in Australia. In 2003 this was a legitimate contest between two of the world's top 3 sides. Nowadays Australia aren't even a big scalp; hoping the game revives itself there!

[@jbee9713]

Its amazing how many of the emotions come back, when watching the highlights, that I had at the time watching it live. Not just the best Rugby final, but one of the best finals of all time. We love to hate the Aussies in UK, but secretly we love them. As (along with the Welsh) they are our biggest competitor in some sports and only they could of given us such an amazing final.

[@ProfFrink11]

I was 12 when I watched this. I remember I had to stop watching with my family in the living room as I was getting to hyped up and anxious. I had to go watch the rest upstairs by myself so I could scream and shout without bothering anyone

[@l0latS0ny]

even watching it now i still get all emotional!

[@adm9666]

English and proud mate

[@01pilki]

That Dawson run

[@martinranalli8572]

One of the best days of my life. Six Nations and World champions 2003. 🏉🏆🥇🌹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Salesiable]

I just got goosebumps and chills watching The Highlights Of Rugby World Cup 2003 Final I was On The Edge Of My Seat That Night What A Match That was a Classic

[@kanchukamalimbada8549]

johnny wilkinson the best!

[@samyork1929]

6:59 the sound of the Australian coach shooting himself

[@paulmcdonough1093]

it was fireworks you idiot

[@grandmastoes4535]

@@paulmcdonough1093 he was joking

[@Daraghbreen]

Their coach was eddie jones

[@elliotpritchett2920]

Paul Mcdonough r/wooosh

[@deanloveridge2534]

😂

[@markhamer7220]

There were more Englishmen in that stadium than Aussies.What support!!!!

[@joelhungerford8388]

Yeh all those Englishmen in gold

[@mjb4983]

I still shed tears 15 years on....

[@videosarchives5004]

J’aime cette Angleterre 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 ! Love from 🇫🇷

[@Lifeskeyishappiness]

I'm watching this to cheer me up after today...

[@stephenabswisdom1187]

Watched this early that morning with my dear Dad. Mum came in and said " Don't have a heart attack will you?!" Lovely memories that have made me smile and tear up a bit all these years later. Thanks England Rugby. Those were lovely shared moments.

[@joemaynard2305]

Who’s here after we beat New Zealand

[@luketj06]

Joe Maynard it was an awesome game

[@laliththantirimudali6150]

meeeeee

[@austinrudd5150]

Roll on saturday , come on!!

[@davehoward22]

Yee haaa! Hope they aint peaked to early...

[@dualz_foxy1915]

I'm here after we lost to the Springbrooks need something good to cheer me up

[@MrLongbow1415]

Just a fantastic day, I will never forget. Wales..Scotland...watch and dream..WE DID IT.

[@iToshyy_]

Watching this for my class work

[@thomaslalor6109]

Great memories I watched this match on t.v a great rugby match. Johnny Wilkinson what a legend!

[@nicnics]

This is a day that I will always remember! I know exactly where I was, it's as clear as crystal. Great day!

[@samwilliams1945]

July 2021 anyone!? I get goosebumps EVERY time I watch this. Jason Robinson, THE GOAT. What a team that was, winning in Australia's own back yard!

[@divyporker5733]

Team of legends, I still think the ref gave too many penalties against us at the end and felt like he was going to gift the cup to Australia!

[@georgiec6520]

Wish I was into rugby when this was on feel like I missed out big time! Was only 13 at the time, here's hoping we get to see it again in 2019!

[@Whysatt]

Was in the Shelter Bar under the Storey Bridge in Brisbane that night. What an epic night and one of the greatest moments of English sporting history made all the sweeter by being in Australia.

[@toplad73]

Still get goosebumps watching this!!

[@The_Mind_Journey]

I remember this as today.......I loved this in my childhood..I was in tears...of passion..as a little child.....It was true..sportsmanship.....I respect winnners....I honour you wilkinson...you are great..

[@jakeianwilliamson5155]

Always love seeing Jason Robinson powering to the line 👍👍 goose bumps every time

[@steveforster9764]

I was in Canada with the British army,(still here as a civilian) watched this in the small. hours. great. day.

[@kaktusrouge]

I'm french but believe me, if I ever met Wilko, you can be sure that I'll call him "Sir Wilkinson". You have to surrender to the genius of this man.

[@bradley2427]

Gives me goosebumps

[@charlesraka]

Legendary finish to win the World Cup with your weak kicking foot 🔥✊🏽

[@brandonwilson2732]

Goosebumps & tears! Amazing! 💪🏻

[@mungbean74]

An Australian living and playing rugby in Japan I had a crazy 24hours experience from that game day. I was a 30 year old watching this match and in preparation for the following days National championships final. Our team also finished in a draw as we played a hard good game and i made the final tackle as the team we played were firing back. I was relieved to make the tackle thinking it would go into extra time but all of a sudden someone said in Japanese “Junken” which means Rock scissors paper. My team lost the RSP battle and we lost the state tournament. I had come to Japan as a 26 year old but had never played in a draw up until that time. And in such a big game for myself and my great team and just after an amazing game the night before I was pumped. But to finish like that I was shocked. Ha Japan, it never ceases to amaze me.

[@Mcmahon143]

I remember watching that when I was 6 years old and since then I have always been a huge Rugby fan

[@TJKgamer97]

Who's here after we lost the final to South Africa ?

[@elizaphanmnjama11]

Still an enjoyable watch in 2023. Both teams deserve immense credit. Wendell Sailor for the Aussies & twinkle toes for the Red Roses don't get enough plaudits, though. Immense performance.

[@martinranalli8572]

20 years ago today😮😊🏆🏉🌹🥇🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@keithlittlebury2986]

Love it. Makes me wanna cry 😭

[@dlennox1629]

As a South African I was so proud of England....

[@hyprz5]

i must have been about eight when i watched this game. the sheer elation of having a national hero like Johnny bring it home has stuck with me ever since.

[@molecularsamm7899]

Those were the days! ❤

[@teresaruiz-tagle156]

What a game

[@jamescrisp9621]

something about this video without commentary, makes it more emotional!

[@Jon-yx3xc]

Chills every single time!

[@proudkiwi7641]

I remember watching this as a 12 year old kid. As a Kiwi I really didn't care who won but was so excited when England one. I remember watching Johnson lift thst Cup and I stood there, I had a big smile and I thought to myself "Bring it on. New Zealand will be back"

[@QPRTokyo]

Time flies 2024

[@saiidabdulbaqi5015]

I watched this game and I felt a bizarre bittersweet feeling. I am an All-blacks fan, but I felt sad for Australia who played well and could have won had it not been for Johnny Wilkinson's heroics, and at the same time felt happy for England to win it for the first time... And how! 🏉 🏆

[@jboxing2491]

Watching this to get me in the mood!!! Got goosebumps! Come on lads 🌹

[@Jayqo]

Imagine how different rugby would be if Jonny missed

[@davehoward22]

In fairness england were the best team that year,same with the aussies when they won in their back yard in 91

[@Jayqo]

dave h yeah I do know this but just think about how much it was spoke about, how much it is mentioned, there are many many videos with money being made by the second off of them, like this on, just think if Jonny Missed it and it went to the drop kick off that they mentioned in earlier rounds would happen

[@davehoward22]

@@Jayqo it has gone down as the iconic moment

[@creamcheese7845]

Proud Kiwi and ABs fan here. This is the Best WC Final so far.

[@samuelgovender2034]

England was such a top team deserved world champions wish they won it in 2007 they came so close

[@philjamieson5572]

I couldn't quite believe it was reaI when it happened. I still feel the after-burn of warmth 16 years later.

[@Centre14]

i hope england will make it to the finals in 2019... they’ve go a firm squad right now. reminds me of england back in 2003. thx to eddie jones

[@jonathanbastow7809]

How things change in 10 months

[@TheDannywoodhams]

Jonathan Bastow ??😏

[@EAMCFC]

Well they did, they just got smashed (oof)

[@moreb33r1]

Totally remember this!! Hopefully England can win in Japan 🇯🇵 🤞🏻

[@therealpyromaniac4515]

Well after 33:13 on the 3rd October 2015, I have to revisit the good ol days

[@maxnelson5053]

+The Real PyroManiac Same

[@CrazyGamer-my3fl]

Same

[@thomasmartin2002]

Definitely that's exactly why I watched this

[@wiyam11]

+The Real PyroManiac yep It was so sad but its been a month :C at least we will take revenge in june

[@aidanmcgunnigal9394]

As a Scot, watching that game is our of the happiest moments in my life, too bad that Australia then went on to end our campaign too.

[@russe19642]

Love just the sound of the crowd,must have been awesome and im aussie

[@daveyeddie8176]

Magical.