The stars of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Jonny Wilkinson
The undeniable hero of England's World Cup success, Wilkinson's winning drop goal in the final will live long in the memory. However as well as landing the deciding score to topple the Wallabies, Wilkinson was instrumental throughout England's campaign. The fly-half was the leading points scorer with 113 points, ruthlessly kicking the life out of Wales and France in the knockout stages, while he also supplied the scoring pass to Jason Robinson in the final.
Richard Hill
If Wilkinson was the public face of England's triumph, then Hill was the silent assassin. He only played three games in the tournament however his role should not be underestimated. Hill damaged his hamstring in the opening game - and if it had been any other player it is likely they would have been replaced. However Hill was given time to recover to star in both the last-four win over France and the final success. Willing to put his head where others would go, Hill's work-rate was phenomenal as he provided England with the platform.
George Gregan
Arguably one of the world's best No.9s, Gregan was the heartbeat of the Australia side that reached the final. The skipper landed the crucial match-winning drop goal to overcome Ireland in the pool, while he scored a try in the comfortable win over Scotland. Gregan then did little for Australian-New Zealand relations as he taunted the All Blacks after sealing victory in the semi-final. Gregan ran himself into the ground in the final, chasing the losing cause.
Doug Howlett
The All Blacks winger enjoyed a stellar campaign, even if his side's World Cup bid ultimately ended in failure. Howlett finished the tournament joint-top of the try-scoring charts alongside team-mate Mils Muliaina with seven tries. He scored twice against Italy, Tonga and Wales before crossing again in the bronze medal match.
Frederic Michalak
The mercurial talent finished the 2003 campaign with his stock at an all-time high and with 101 points - and all this despite a nightmare night in a rainy semi-final against England. Michalak weighed in with 26 points against Fiji, before scoring a try and 24 points in the next match against Japan. A further 28 points - including another try - followed against Scotland while in the quarter-finals he was at his brilliant best as he scored 23 points against Ireland. Unfortunately the wheels came off as the rains came down in Sydney but Michalak finished the tournament as one of the top No.10s.
