Judgement day arrives for England

England’s judgement day arrived under the Telstra Stadium floodlights – in conditions more akin to home than Sydney.

Australia’s World Cup capital had borne the brunt of heavy rain all day, but it could not dampen the enthusiasm of English fans, who had arrived Down Under by their thousands.

The weather relented mid-afternoon, local time, but rain returned approaching kick-off, making England feel distinctly at home.

Head coach Clive Woodward’s years of planning reached a stunning climax as his Six Nations champions took on the World Cup holders and host nation for rugby’s ultimate prize.

England went into the Sydney showdown, having won 21 of their last 22 Tests, which represented a remarkable record by the world’s number one-ranked team.

They had also beaten the Wallabies four times in succession, highlighted by a superb 25-14 victory in Melbourne five months ago, England’s first against Australia Down Under.

But Australia showed their fighting qualities through a semi-final demolition of New Zealand last weekend, suggesting the final could be a close and pulsating affair.

England were at full-strength for the final, making one change from the semi-final as centre Mike Tindall replaced his Bath colleague Mike Catt.

Australia had to make an enforced switch, replacing tighthead prop Ben Darwin with Al Baxter.

Darwin suffered a career-threatening neck injury during the Wallabies’ victory over New Zealand.

The atmosphere approaching kick-off was wonderfully fitting for a game of such magnitude..

Australia were biding to become world champions for an unprecedented second time in succession, while England targeted their first global crown.

It was a dream final in every way – the world’s two finest two teams going head to head for the occasion.