Jonny Wilkinson's winning drop goal against Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup was voted as the top moment in a survey from more than 4000 fans from 14 rugby nations. Photo / Getty Images
Jonny Wilkinson's winning drop goal against Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup was voted as the top moment in a survey from more than 4000 fans from 14 rugby nations. Photo / Getty Images
The All Blacks have been involved in some memorable World Cup moments but can't dislodge Jonny Wilkinson in a recent survey of the top World Cup moments in history.
Wilkinson's winning dropped goal in the 2003 final, scored towards the end of extra time against Australia to give England a20-17 victory, was judged as the top moment in a survey of more than 4000 fans from 13 rugby nations.
Jonny Wilkinson celebrates after kicking the winning drop goal during the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final. Photo / Getty Images
It narrowly beat Nelson Mandela handing the trophy to Francois Pienaar in 1995 after the Sprinboks beat the All Blacks 15-12 in extra time.
Jonah Lomu's barnstorming display in the 1995 semifinal against England, when he scored four tries in the 45-29 win, was fourth overall and one of his quartet, when he trampled over fullback Mike Catt, was the best try.
There's a heavy New Zealand flavour in the voting, with John Kirwan and the 1987 also featuring in the top 10 moments. The 1999 side's defeat to France also made the list, much to their chagrin.
The All Blacks of 2011 were voted the best team, with the England outfit of 2003 second, and the All Blacks were voted as everyone's favourite second team.
Top 10 greatest World Cup moments
1 - Jonny Wilkinson's winning dropped goal in 2003 (24.3 per cent) 2 - Nelson Mandela handing the trophy to Francois Pienaar in 1995 (23.5 per cent) 3 - Ireland's 15-6 shock victory over Australia in 2011 (12.7 per cent) 4 - Jonah Lomu's four tries against England in 1995 (10.8 per cent) 5 - France's comeback against New Zealand in their 1999 semifinal (8.9 per cent) 6 - Australia score 22 tries v Namibia in the 2003 tournament (4 per cent) 7 - John Kirwan's solo try for New Zealand v Italy in 1987 (2.3 per cent) 8 - David Kirk lifting the cup for New Zealand for the first time in 1987 (2 per cent) 9 - England's Martin Johnson lifting the trophy in 2003 (1.9 per cent) 10 - Wallaby Stephen Larkham's first dropped goal - from 48m - in the 1999 semifinal (0.9 per cent)
