Exactly a decade ago to the day when England’s rugby union team secured their famous World Cup triumph in Sydney, ITV is to broadcast a special programme marking the anniversary.
In November 2003, English rugby enjoyed its finest moment as Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal in extra time against Australia secured its first World Cup win in Sydney.
Ten years on from that magnificent sporting moment, Martin Bayfield presents ‘World Cup Winners: 10 Years On’, a special programme looking back at that memorable triumph in the company of some of those who were there.
Special guests include Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Greenwood, Matt Dawson, Ben Kay and Richard Hill, who all played a key in bringing the William Webb Ellis trophy back to the Northern Hemisphere for the first time in the tournament’s history.
The programme will feature extended highlights of the game itself, including a replay of that dramatic drop goal from the boot of Jonny Wilkinson with 20 seconds remaining in extra time, the kick that secured World Cup glory for England.
Alongside anecdotes from the studio guests, ITV has joined forces with Twitter for this special programme which will incorporate the use of tweets from studio guests and other key players describing their thoughts and memories.
When Jonny Wilkinson kicked the drop goal which won England the 2003 Rugby World Cup title, Twitter didn’t even exist, but a decade on, the popular social media webesite has become the place sports fans flock to share the drama of major televised events with others around the globe.
ITV’s Twitter accounts @ITV and @ITVSport will bring fans and players together for this brand new initiative, using the hastag #RWC10YearsOn.
As well as re-living the moment in their own living rooms, fans will also get a brand new perspective on the game thanks to a live Twitter commentary from @Matt9Dawson, (@Dallaglio8), @WillGreenwood, @Phil_Vickery, @BenKay5 and @RHillRugby, all of whom played in the 2003 game, plus former England player and presenter @MartinBayfield.
Their Twitter commentaries live from ITV’s studios will give rugby fans a unique insight into their thoughts and emotions during the historic clash, with some Tweets being used on screen.
Matt Dawson, now a BT Sport rugby commentator and BBC A Question of Sport panelist, said: “As a long-time Twitter user, I know Twitter is the perfect accompaniment to live sport — it has transformed the way that rugby fans connect with each other and with the game.
“I can only imagine the excitement that England fans would have shared on Twitter had it been around when we won the title in 2003.
“I’m really excited to be taking part in #RWC10YearsOn, re-living the game through TV highlights and through Tweets.
“It’ll be interesting to hear what the other lads and the fans have to say about the game.”
The tournament in Australia saw Clive Woodward’s men win all of their pool fixtures, defeating Wales and France in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, before then facing the host nation in a thrilling final in Sydney.
Martin Johnson led the side labelled ‘Dad’s Army’ by the Australian media from the front, alongside an unstoppable English team battling for World Cup glory.
Extra time ticking down, moments remaining, another pick up and drive deep in Australian territory and then, as if in slow motion, Matt Dawson delivered the perfect pass to the waiting Jonny Wilkinson.
His dramatic drop goal in the final minute of extra time eventually settled the contest, after Australia had fought back from 14-5 down at half-time to level proceedings, ensuring there would be a tense finish to the tournament.
It wasn’t just the fact that England beat Australia in a World Cup final in their own back yard, but it was the manner in which England secured victory.
Hollywood’s boldest screenwriter couldn’t trump what unfolded in the dying seconds of extra time in the Rugby World Cup final of 2003.
In terms of sporting moments, for many England fans it lies on par with the country’s World Cup football triumph on home soil some 37 years earlier.
Millions of viewers in England tuned in to watch ITV’s exclusive live coverage of the match which was fronted by Jim Rosenthal from Sydney alongside rugby legends Francois Pienaar, Will Carling and Michael Lynagh in the studio.
Former Welsh international John Taylor and ex-England scrum half Steve Smith were the commentators behind the microphone for ITV Sport that night when Wilkinson and the rest of the England team secured their place in sporting folklore.
It was the ninth most-watched TV moment of 2003, pulling in 12.3 million viewers and 77% of all those watching television at the time.
To mark the tenth anniversary of England’s golden triumph in Sydney, ‘World Cup Winners: 10 Years On’ will be broadcast on ITV at 10.35pm on Friday, November 22.
In addition, ITV has released a special DVD to commemorate the 2003 final, featuring the match in full with ITV commentary, plus special bonus features.
Friday 22nd November
World Cup Winners: Ten Years On
10.35pm-12.10am ITV
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Fans can join the conversation by using the hashtag #RWC10YearsOn in their Tweets
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