Australians and New Zealanders have long waged battle for trans-Tasman sporting supremacy, the All Blacks doing much to balance the ledger until recent times. But if you asked Australians which wins they most savour in the sporting arena, it is those achieved over England.
Sporting history between the countries runs deep, particularly in the rugby codes (union and league) and cricket. Yet it doesn’t end there. Lately, the two proud nations have competed for bragging rights in sports as diverse as tennis, football (soccer), darts, netball and swimming. Much to the chagrin of the English, the results have been overwhelmingly lop-sided in favour of their Antipodean cousins.
Against such a backdrop, beating England to claim rugby’s most prized possession, the Webb Ellis Cup, for the third time, would be the icing on the cake for Australia. For England, victory in the final would be an overdue – and very sweet – retort, especially if achieved in the Wallabies’ back yard.
How sweet? Contemplate the following and you’ll understand why English fans will be singing long and loud should the Red Rose emerge victorious at Telstra Stadium.
The ‘Ashes’
The Ashes are the prize at stake in all Test cricket series played between Australia and England, their origins date back to a tradition established in 1882, when a mock obituary appeared in the London Sporting Times in response to England's first loss to Australia at home.
Upon England's return series win in Australia in 1882-83, captain Ivo Bligh was presented with an urn containing the remains of a burnt bail and his team took the prize back to Lord's Cricket Ground.
In all, 306 Test matches have been played between the two countries, Australia holding a 125 to 95 advantage over England with 86 matches drawn. That advantage has been acute in recent years, with Australia holding the Ashes since 1989.
In a league of their own
Australia rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to retain the Ashes rugby league trophy – yes, rugby league appropriated the Ashes name - with a 23-20 victory over Great Britain in the second Test at Hull's KC Stadium last Sunday.
The Kangaroos have held the Ashes trophy since 1973. This year was seen by many as England’s best chance to end the 30-year streak, but it was not to be.
The round ball game
England has had little trouble in dominating Australia in the round ball game – until this year. The Socceroos travelled to Upton Park, London, to meet David Beckham & Co. in the first full international between the sides in England, and came away with a stunning 3-1 win.
It was only a friendly. England replaced 11 players at half-time, while Australia kept its strongest side on the ground. But still, it was a bitter pill to swallow for the hosts.
Bullseye
England is the land where darts are prime time TV. In Australia, the game is confined pretty much to bars and garages. Imagine the shock when, in January 2002, Australian Tony David stood on a stage just outside London and became the World Darts Champion. David, a 34 year old haemophiliac, beat England’s Mervyn King in front of a disbelieving audience. Another bullseye to Australia!
Commonwealth and Olympic Games
At the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in Manchester, England, Australia finished on top of the medal tally with 207 medals (82 gold, 62 silver and 63 bronze) ahead of the host nation, who finished second with 165 medals (54 gold, 51 silver and 60 bronze).
Australia beat England in the Men's Rugby 7's Plate Final at the Commonwealth Games, securing the bronze medal and rubbing a little more salt into the wounds of English rugby fans.
At the 2000 Olympics, host nation Australia won 16 gold medals, their highest tally in Olympic history, to finish fourth in the medal tally.
In comparison, Great Britain finished 10th in the medal tally with 11 gold, 10 silver and 7 bronze.
The Holy Grail
And so to the big game. George Gregan & Co. will be aware that Australia’s last loss in a RWC game was against England in the 1995 quarter finals, when a Rob Andrew drop goal snatched a 25-22 victory after the lead had changed six times in the match.
It was some compensation for the Wallabies beating England 12-6 in the 1991 RWC final to win their first title.
Lately, England has had the upper hand. Clive Woodward’s men have won the past four encounters, most recently running out convincing 25-14 winners at Melbourne's Telstra Dome on June 21.
Set against that, the Wallabies boast a 12 match-winning streak in the RWC.
Who will have the last laugh?