Be fan-tastic and cheer England to glory, rugby heroes urge ‘amazing’ supporters

Johnny Wilkinson “full of confidence” that England would progress tomorrow
Getty
2 October 2015

England Rugby World Cup stars past and present today said the team can triumph in their do-or-die clash with Australia with the help of their “amazing” fans.

Jonny Wilkinson, who won the tournament in 2003 with his famous drop goal against the Wallabies, said he was “full of confidence” that England would progress tomorrow. Wilkinson, 36, added: “This weekend is going to be bigger and better. It is going to be a bigger and better England team, a bigger and better atmosphere, and it is going to be a bigger and better result.”

His optimism echoed that of Prince Harry, who met the players after a training session at the team base at Pennyhill Park hotel in Surrey yesterday. The royal insisted England could win, saying: “Of course they can! Bring on this Saturday.” And current fly-half Owen Farrell pledged that he and the rest of the players would give the fans “something to cheer about”.

Defeat to Australia at Twickenham tomorrow night would end England’s hopes of progressing from their group into the last eight.

It would heap pressure on coach Stuart Lancaster, who has faced criticism over the side’s capitulation to Wales last weekend following a string of substitutions. But Wilkinson, who propelled England to World Cup glory 12 years ago in their 20-17 victory over hosts Australia, said that rather than crumble the team would be galvanised by their predicament. He said: “This weekend is going to be a huge match, there’s no doubt, but I’m full of confidence, I have been all tournament.

“It is about backs against the wall, when you have got to come out fighting, when you have got to face adversity, when you have got to give everything, and that is when you share memories that are worth reliving, that are worth being there for. This is what being part of a team is.”

Wilkinson said the crowd had a vital part to play in tomorrow’s make-or-break battle. “The supporters so far in this tournament have been amazing. You guys are part of the team as well and this is going to be huge. Do whatever you can to be there. Add your energy. Be part of it, live it, dream it, same as all of us, and we will all be rewarded.” Farrell, who retained his place in the side after an impressive game against Wales, described the match as “the game of our lives” and he also urged fans to “keep doing what you’re doing”.

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