Rugby World Cup 2007 – England’s Story is the official DVD story of England’s campaign during France 2007. It was a tournament which saw England written-off as the worst ever defending champions but ended with the team heroically restoring pride in English rugby.
Since beating Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final the fortunes of the English rugby team had been pretty poor. They began the 2007 Rugby World Cup with an unconvincing win against USA before being trounced 36-0 by South Africa, with Jason Robinson seemingly limping out of international rugby.
Predictably the Rugby press had a field day in their criticism of the England team and there were stories of crisis meetings with players and coaching staff. Qualification was not guaranteed but England managed to beat both Samoa and Tonga to reach the knock out stages where they were destined to play Australia.
England had of course beaten Australia in the 2003 World Cup Final, as well as in 1995 at the quarter final stage. This time though Australia were red-hot favourites. However, combining a siege mentality with immense forward power England in particular destroyed the Australia scrum to win an excruciatingly tight match by 12-10. They were through to the semi finals where they would play the hosts, France, who had conquered the mighty All Blacks.
So, England entered the semi final with pride somewhat restored and with a new belief amongst their supporters. Once again the England pack were outstanding and amazingly France were defeated 14-9. Brian Ashton and his team had reached the Rugby World Cup Final!
With pride restored England faced South Africa at the Stade de France in Paris on 20th October 2007. This time it was not a one-sided humiliation but a much closer affair. South Africa just had the edge, were particularly dominant at the line out and won by 15-6 to be crowned at 2007 Rugby World Cup champions. England returned home as heroes together with the signs of more successful times ahead.
Now you can relive all the highlights from each of England’s games during the 2007 Rugby World Cup on this official DVD. There is also a second disc with the entire Semi-Final between hosts France and England. Plus exclusive interviews and behind the scenes look at England's World Cup journey. This is the perfect way for all England rugby fans to relive the 2007 World Cup all brought to you by the Sky Sports DVD Shop.