22nd November 2003 - relive your RWC memories here.

22nd November 2003
 
I thought it would be fun for fans to relive their memories and stories of that day here on 606v2.
 
 
Where did you watch it?
How did you celebrate the win (if you can remember?)
What it still means to you.
Etc….
 
 
 
SCW in his own words.
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/24958088

Memories? I was disappointed to see england win with negative tactics in a dull game

Anyone else planning to watch the match DVD tonight or tomorrow?  

watched it in a Walkabout near Fleet Street. crowd was half ozzie half anglo. there were australians (girls to be fair) crying by the end. great atmosphere. the match was almost ruined by chronic refereeing of the scrum by watson when england were completely dominating. but after the final whistle, no-one complained about that - the right team got the result.

it was a monstruous performance at the end of 36months, 50+ games and i think only 4 losses (plus 2 versus barbars with developmental sides).

that victory has given england teams self belief, even when they may not be rated in a particular match, to beat anyone on any given day. we are mentally tougher. thank god i rarely hear the "good loser" epithet, or "it's not the result, it's how you play the game" any more.

i will be watching the match again tomorrow. yessir.

TJ wrote:Memories?  I was disappointed to see england win with negative tactics in a dull game

What a ( insult removed, Toadfish behave.)

Toadfish wrote:

TJ wrote:Memories?  I was disappointed to see england win with negative tactics in a dull game

removed

Similar comments seen here re 2011 final.
You ask for an opinion...you get one...then you abuse them for giving one. Well done.

finals of RWCs have pretty much all been epic, close fought, low-scoring contests. it's the nature of the beast. makes them more exciting to me. i dont want exhibition rugby. i want tension, choking, drama, panic, heroism, desperation, glory. loved watching nz v france. not going to say anything about the refereeing

quinsforever wrote:finals of RWCs have pretty much all been epic, close fought, low-scoring contests. it's the nature of the beast. makes them more exciting to me. i dont want exhibition rugby. i want tension, choking, drama, panic, heroism, desperation, glory. loved watching nz v france.

Correct quinsforever I'm with you, sometimes I wonder what people want to see or expect from such an important game.

I heard the radio commentary earlier today from 2003, still gives me Goosebumps.

Watched the DVD last night oh what a game, and I have to say the Ref was truely shocking. 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/rugby_world_cup/3228728.stm

Scrumpy, are you Sir Clive?!!

England was always going to win in 2003. Our final was the week before.

When you think about it, the world of Rugby was in dire straits... the big 3 had dominated the preceding decades and it was getting worse for the NH.

Full credit to England for doing something about it and transforming that core of players from the late 90s into the group of players that went on to win that final by 3 points.

A win is a win though - thoroughly deserved but painful to watch from my perspective of course. The Lions match in July was more of a shock though.  

Memories.... How the hell did England win this....

I also thought, at the time, good god, we'll have the English press reminding us of 2003 for the next 40+ years in the same way we get reminded about the 1966 football World Cup...

... And true to form they have been....

Wonder if the South Africans, Australians and Kiwi press have to keep reminding their nations about their previous wins...

So many English fans on these forums before have slated Welsh posters for reliving the glory days of the 70s saying that it's the past and has no relevance on today's game. Well, I just have to say, touché....

About time you stopped celebrating 10 year old wins and concentrate on future events...

Linebreaker wrote:England was always going to win in 2003. Our final was the week before.

When you think about it, the world of Rugby was in dire straits... the big 3 had dominated the preceding decades and it was getting worse for the NH.

Full credit to England for doing something about it and transforming that core of players from the late 90s into the group of players that went on to win that final by 3 points.

A win is a win though - thoroughly deserved but painful to watch from my perspective of course. The Lions match in July was more of a shock though.  

Reflecting on 2003, I think professional Rugby had planed out a bit, and the England win - with Jonny as the bloke most mums wanted their daughters to marry - did give Rugby a real boost.  

Jonah Lomu was professional Rugby's first global superstar.  Jonny was next.  He has/had that very positive role model image and had the big British media machine behind him.  I think he probably exceeded Lomu amongst casual and non-Rugby types and brought a lot of people to Rugby.   I don't think there has been anyone since those two then with that kind of global name recognition, at least from a purely Marketing perspective.  Lomu and Jonny, both huge.