2003 Rugby World Cup Semi-final vs England

Lore & Background

The 2003 Rugby World Cup was originally planned to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, but all games were shifted to Australia following a contractual dispute over ground signage rights between the New Zealand Rugby Union and Rugby World Cup Limited. New Zealand were second favourites after victory in the southern-hemisphere Tri-Nations championship, but Australia defeated them 22–10 in the semi-final.

In Their Own Story

The Sydney air was thick with humidity and tension as the clock ticked toward eighty minutes. The roar of the crowd faded into a collective gasp when Lomu crashed over the line, only to be denied by the referee's whistle. Silence fell over the Black shirted section. Moments later, the sharp crack of a boot striking a ball echoed through the stadium. As Wilkinson's penalty sailed between the posts, the English bench erupted while the All Blacks players stood frozen, staring at the scoreboard that now read 22-17, the dream of a World Cup final slipping away into the night.

Reader's Guide

New Zealand did not play England in the semi-final. The semi-final was Australia vs New Zealand, won by Australia 22–10. England played Australia in the final and won 20–17.

Did You Know?

• New Zealand were second favourites for the 2003 Rugby World Cup after winning the Tri-Nations championship.
• Australia defeated New Zealand 22–10 in the semi-final.
• England became the first northern hemisphere team to win the Webb Ellis Cup.