Rugby, why England better

On that fateful day in 2003, millions watched from around the world as England laid claim to be the best rugby team in the world and now that can no longer be argued. When Jonny Wilkinson drop goal just 26 seconds from the end of a thrilling final in Sydney, the English nation watched in hope and it ended with the nation in glorious celebration. England has produced amongst some of the most talented players in the world and when the then captain Martin Johnson lead the first northern hemisphere side to get its hands on the world title the argument on which country was better was going to enter a new stage.

The Wallabies had started strongly in the match whom played in home soil but in the end they were no match to the sweet chariot. When the sun rose in France 2007 it was the chance that the world of rugby was waiting for in order to dethrone the champions, with a rocky start England were all but written off with a crushing defeat in the hands of the South Africans.

However England stepped up and reached the quarter finals against Australia, who had old scores and wounds to fight, were firm favourites to win but once again England emerged victorious and went on to reach the final however the springbok’s once again proved strong and England had to hand over the title. Despite being runners up they showed such and grit and character and won over the majority of critics and continue to entertain the crowds with their ambitious and skilled grasp of the game. 

England travels to New Zealand in 2011 and with a young strong squad will once again be the most feared team for their stylish play and prove once more that they are the better team at least better then Australia!

To impress your mates and collages here is the top 5 fun facts:

1. Rugby football started at Rugby School in Warwickshire.
2. Until 1877 international rugby teams had 20 players on each side, not 15.
3. Twickenham Stadium can hold 74,000 spectators.
4. The very first international rugby match was between England and Scotland.
5. Twickenham was the scene of the first ever streaker at a major sporting event, when Michael O’Brien ran across the pitch in 1974.