The Tourney of Wilkinson's Toe
Warmly remembered by generations of students for its colourful name, the War of Jenkins's Ear was fought in the 1730s between the ascendant British Empire and the ailing Spanish Empire. In the end, it was minor military and mercantile importance. How historians will treat the 2003 Rugby World Cup remains to be seen, but if it is remembered it might well enter the books as the Tournament of Wilkinson's Toe.
England's 20-17 extra-time victory over Australia in today's final in Sydney was a team effort, but Jonny Wilkinson was the player who made the difference in the end. His dramatic drop goal 26 seconds before the expiration of extra time was one of the finest efforts of its kind. The pressure was huge, the time-window was closing, the opposition were bearing down, and in this critical moment, Wilkinson was perfect. It was a fitting end to a fine tournament.
