SYDNEY, 23 November 2003 — A sweetly struck drop goal by Jonny Wilkinson one minute from the end of extra time gave England a dramatic 20-17 victory over Australia in an epic World Cup final yesterday.

A match of escalating tension and unremitting intensity was appropriately settled by the best flyhalf in the tournament on a night of driving rain at the Olympic Stadium.

Australia, the defending champions, had fought back from 14-5 down at halftime to level at 14-14 but after scrumhalf Matt Dawson had run deep into Australian territory, England systematically set up a position for Wilkinson.

All the Wallaby team could see what was coming but they were powerless to prevent the nerveless left-footed standoff kicking the most important goal of his life with his right boot.

The game was only the second of five finals to go into extra time and it was indisputably the most exciting.

In addition, England became the first Northern Hemisphere side to win the World Cup before a record crowd for a rugby match of 82,957. They also entered sporting legend as the first England team to win a major team trophy since the 1966 soccer World Cup.

“It was a huge effort by the entire squad of players, coaches and backroom staff, everybody. Thanks to the fans, they were incredible,” said captain Martin Johnson, who had a colossal game at lock.

“I can’t say enough about the team, because we had the lead and we lost it but we came back and Wilko at the end, I can’t say enough about it.”

England, who had beaten Australia in their last four matches, took a 14-5 lead at half-time after both sides had scored a try apiece. Led by Johnson and his magnificent forward pack, they then dominated possession in the second half on a treacherous pitch after two days of heavy rain before Wallaby coach Eddie Jones produced a tactical master stroke.

Jones brought on his reserve locks David Giffin and Matt Cockbain and suddenly Australia began to dominate the lineouts.

Center Elton Flatley, dropped from the Wallaby side this year after failing to turn up for training after a night of celebration kicked two penalties to put Australia only three points adrift.

With two minutes of normal time remaining, South African referee Andre Watson penalized England for illegal scrummaging. Flatley lined up the ball on the 22-mark and kicked the equalizing goal.