ENGLAND’S only men to dominate the rugby world will meet in London tonight, where talk will quickly turn to how the team can conquer the globe again.
The class of 2003 will reunite at Eventim Apollo, coming together for just the second time en masse since lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.
England’s solitary men’s Rugby World Cup win was built on complete and utter global domination. When Jonny Wilkinson’s drop-goal drove England to World Cup glory in Australia two decades ago to this very day, the team had spent three years vanquishing all-comers.
Sir Clive Woodward’s quest to turn England into world champions began in 1997, but only ratcheted up from 2000 until that 20-17 extra-time triumph over hosts Australia in Sydney.
England have reached two men’s finals since, losing both. Their one win in four showpiece battles remains a frustrating return for the world’s richest union.
The champions of 2003 would dearly love another group of England stars to experience the elation of ruling the world.
Lawrence Dallaglio believes only radical and brave changes will return England to the top of the tree.
This story is from the November 22, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the November 22, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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