England may only have had 15 players on the pitch at any one time in their Rugby World Cup final victory over Australia, but they had what has been called a '16th man' there to support their quest to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
This 16th man has played an important role not only in the final at Telstra Stadium, but throughout England’s Rugby World Cup adventure in Australia, which has taken them from Perth to Melbourne to Brisbane and finally to Sydney.
Of course, this 16th man is the Barmy Army; a group of incredible supporters who wear the England colours with pride and follow their team all around the world.
Let’s face it, which team in the world would not dream of having such an army of fans for its company? One that follows them around the world, however far away from home that may be.
In the England press conference on the day before the game coach Clive Woodward spoke of the role the Barmy Army have played at Rugby World Cup 2003.
Speechless
“The support of the England fans … I can’t find a word to qualify that support,” Woodward said. “I know we are all waiting to arrive tomorrow [Saturday] just to see how many people will be in white.”
The players were certainly not disappointed with tens of thousands of fans wearing the famous white shirt of England, so many it was impossible to put a figure on their contribution to the Rugby World Cup record crowd of 82,957.
The English fans sang their hearts out, bantering with the home supporters to create an atmosphere that many who were there will never forget. However, unlike the Wallabies’ fans, they had to fly more than 10,000 miles to Australia.
However they are not the only ones to have thrown their hat behind England with fans back home and around the world having inundated the team hotels with faxes and letters of support.
Personal replies
Woodward admitted it has been difficult to answer all of them, but insisted he would get round to it.
“It's been incredible, but you just briefly read them and file them. I’ll be answering every one of them when I get back,” enthused Woodward.
“You just can’t get sidetracked by all this, but the most important ones to me have been from Eddie O’Sullivan, the Irish coach, and the Welsh guys.
“They are the ones you remember most. Their support in wanting England to win is totally and utterly generous.”
Saluting the fans
The England players were also quick to pay tribute to their loyal supporters after the 20-17, extra time defeat of defending champions Australia.
“Thanks to all the fans; they were brilliant,” captain Martin Johnson said.
Woodward echoed this sentiment: “I am feeling ecstatic for each person in a white jersey in the stadium. It makes you feel so proud being an Englishman.
“At the end of the day we won and for all the English fans it is fantastic.”
Number 8 Lawrence Dallaglio labelled it “a special day” for the fans who have seen their heroes criticised relentlessly in the Australian media.
A special day
“We were savouring the day. For our supporters and for all our many fans here and in England it was a wonderful thing. They [the fans] had to listen to what's been written about us, so it was a special day for our supporters here and the millions back home. A very special day for them,” Dallaglio said.
Dallaglio was also conscious of the 1966 factor, the last time England could call themselves world champions, saying: “It is an enormous honour to play for England and when you did it you were the hope and aspirations of all of England”.
Lock Ben Kay added: “The support has been great the whole trip. To see the crowd's faces after the game was fantastic”.
Eager to get home
Trevor Woodman will certainly never forget the occasion, although he is now looking forward to getting back to England.
“I will be smiling for several years to come. It's very hard to put into words what it means to everybody back home. My family back home are all in tears and jumping up and down. When we hit England on Tuesday I think it'll all sink in,” the prop said.
Woodward agrees: “I'm just looking forward to catching the plane. I have enjoyed Australia and I've enjoyed the World Cup. England is a fantastic country and I'm really looking forward to going home.”
When England do touch down at Heathrow on Tuesday you can be sure the players and coaching staff will realise just what they have achieved means to the people back home, many of whom are sure to be on hand to give them a heroes welcome.