England Legends vs. Australia Legends - A Night To Remember

This year we have all enjoyed Friday Night Lights and Monday Night Lights thanks to the Aviva Premiership and the A League however last week it was time to enjoy some Thursday Night Lights as the England Legends and Australian Legends took to the field at the Twickenham Stoop. As I’m sure that you are all aware it has been 10 years since Martin Johnson lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in Sydney, Australia and this fixture was the first of a number of events to celebrate this outstanding achievement. 



A few weeks prior to the game the match day squad was announced and then the starting XV was revealed on the day and I’m sure that you’ll agree that it really was a who’s who of English rugby; Richard Cockerill, Phil Vickery, Ben Kay, Josh Lewsey, Jason Leonard, Martin Corry, Simon Shaw and Jason Robinson to name but a few. One of the few names missing was Mr Jonny Wilkinson, who as we all know is currently preoccupied helping Toulon to become the Top 14 and Heineken Cup Champions that they aspire to be. Needless to say the man was missed! The match itself was broadcast on Sky Sports as part of a special live Rugby Club and if you haven’t seen it yet then I suggest that you find a copy and view it in full, it is not only nostalgic but it is also a great game of rugby. 

There were just a few concessions for our legends… 30 minute halves instead of 40 and uncontested scrums. The latter certainly answered my pre-match question as to whether or not the new scrum laws would be enforced!? However the question as to whether it counted as a full cap still remains!!? Answers on a postcard please or maybe a Tweet!! The rugby was intense and whilst our legends’ techniques might not have been as sharp as they were 10 years ago I’m pretty sure that the hits hurt just as much, if not more, and their will to win was as strong as ever.

One man who looked as fresh as he was in 2003 was Mr Jason Robinson, he can still run like lightning and he still has the most outrageous feet known to man!! It was only fitting that Sir Clive Woodwood was sat in the stands watching the game however there wasn't an ear piece in sight, he was simply enjoying the rugby without worrying about tactics or the outcome of the game. It was great to see Richard Cockerill enjoying his rugby in some rather delightful white boots, and surprisingly he ended the game on the right side of the referee, I believe that is what you call progress!!! Another surprise of the night was the appearance of Will Greenwood; he arrived suited and booted ready to present Rugby Club, however the enticement of the mud was just too much. 20 minutes into the first half he appeared pitch side, in full kit (albeit an Australian pair of socks) and proceeded take to the field after stripping Josh Lewsey of his 15 shirt, much to the delight of all of the women in the LV Stand!!!!

Now one thing that I have not mentioned yet is the ‘Try of the Match’ scored by none other than Mr Steve Thompson. During his career Tommo was known for his huge hits and forward power however on Thursday night we saw another side to him… his attacking side! His 80m wonder try was a thing of beauty and I have no doubt that it will be added to his career highlights video/s… luckily for him his good friend Ben Kay was on hand to administer him with some support and much needed oxygen during his try celebrations. 

Great friends are always there for you

The whole evening from start to finish was simply superb and as the choruses of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, echoed around The Stoop it was clear to every single fan there that they were experiencing something very, very special and something that would never be replicated again. In 10 years time this group of legends will not be taking to the rugby field together to play in another commemorative match; it would not be possible or kind to them! Speaking to a number of the players after it was clear just how much they valued the opportunity to take to the field together again after all of these years and do the thing that they love; playing rugby. The celebrations continued long into the weekend with the formal ones including a Gala Dinner and the parade around Twickenham at half time on Saturday and the informal ones, well they are for the squad to know and for us to wonder about! I’m not sure if we will ever have another England squad like the one of 2003, I’m sure that Chris Robshaw and Stuart Lancaster believe that we will, however that group of players are true legends and we will never, ever, forget their tremendous achievement.

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