3. Jonny Wilkinson
The provider of the most iconic moment in England rugby history, Jonny Wilkinson’s heroics at the 2003 Rugby World Cup will forever be remembered. Slotting the decisive drop goal with his weaker right foot, Wilkinson sent the ball sailing through the Sydney air, as England triumphed over the Wallabies for their only Rugby World Cup title to date.
Yet Wilkinson is anything from a one-moment man, the legendary fly half makes this list for his longevity for England with each Rugby World Cup appearance highlighting a unique era in the life of Wilkinson. In 1999, ‘hot-shot’ was a fresh-faced 19-year-old, who had sky-rocketed to the international stage. He fearlessly marked his World Cup debut with 32 points, as he scored a try, kicked six conversions and nailed five penalties against Italy.
In 2003, Wilkinson was a world-beater in his prime. After captaining England for the first time in the 2003 Six Nations Grand Slam triumph, England headed to the Southern Hemisphere for a pre-Rugby World Cup tour. Wilkinson scored all of England points, as they despatched the All Blacks 15-13, and was instrumental in securing England’s first victory over the Wallabies on Australian soil, a spoiler for the upcoming final that year.
Then the 2003 Rugby World Cup arrived, and England were rightfully amongst the favourites. The intense national pressure motivated Sir Clive Woodward’s side, and Wilkinson dealt with the newfound celebrity status in his unique way. Leading his side to blistering victories in the pool stages, England marched on eliminating Wales and France in the knock-out matches. The final against Australia is that of rugby folklore, and is the definite high for Wilkinson’s career.
The fly half still had far more to give, and was a pivotal experienced player for England at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups. Recovering from an ankle injury to lead his side once again in ’07, Wilkinson slotted his long-forgotten other drop goal, sealing the semi-final victory over France from 40 yards out. Wilkinson become one of only four England players to play in the 2003 and 2007 RWC finals, as they suffered defeat to the Springboks. Wilkinson made history, as the (then) only player to score points in two Rugby World Cup Finals.
Wilkinson’s Rugby World Cup swansong in 2011, saw the fly half take up a wise veteran role. An inspirational figure amongst the camp, 32-year-old Wilkinson guided Toby Flood at the showcase event. England were knock-out by finalists France in the quarter-finals, with Wilkinson bidding farewell as the Rugby World Cup’s highest points scorer, with 277 points throughout 16 years.