November 22 down the years
England on top of the world
England's Jonny Wilkinson scores 'that drop goal' on this day in 2003
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2003
England became the first northern hemisphere side to lift the Rugby World Cup following an epic 20-17 victory over Australia in Sydney. England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson slotted the match-winning drop goal in extra time to stun the hosts and set the seal on a famous win. The Wallabies drew first blood with Lote Tuqiri notching a first-half try but the boot of Wilkinson and a try from winger Jason Robinson saw England take a 14-5 lead into the break. But back came Australia with fly-half Elton Flatley pulling his side level to force extra time. Wilkinson and Flatley then exchanged further penalties before England clinched the win in the dying moments of a titanic tussle. "Rugby could not have wished for a more dramatic conclusion to a great tournament, England a more fitting reward for years of sweat, or Jonny Wilkinson a better-timed drop goal for as long as he lives," wrote Kevin Mitchell in the Guardian.
1997
Old Trafford hosted an England rugby union Test for the first time. In what was Clive Woodward's second game in charge of England, centre Phil de Glanville scored the home side's only try in a 25-8 loss to the All Blacks. Lock Ian Jones, flanker Taine Randell and winger Jeff Wilson all touched down for the tourists with Andrew Mehrtens weighing in with 10 points with the boot.
1998
Clive Woodward's England side struggled to beat Italy in a Rugby World Cup qualifying match at Huddersfield. Tries from Will Greenwood and Dan Luger secured England a narrow 23-15 victory but it could have been a lot closer had French referee Didier Mene not disallowed a try for Italy's Alessandro Troncon.
1995
Massimo Giovanelli became the first player in Heineken Cup history to be sent off. Playing for Milan against Pontypridd, he saw red and received a 60-day ban. Pontypridd won the match 31-12.
1972
The All Blacks suffered a humiliating defeat against North-West Counties in Workington. The 16-14 victory was the first ever win by a non-Test England combination against New Zealand.
1947
In the first official post-war international involving a touring Dominion side in Britain, Australia beat Scotland 16-7 at Murrayfield.
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