(Andrew Motion is the Poet Laureate of Great Britain. Written to commemorate England's win of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Unfortunately it appeared just after a celebrated 13-19 defeat to Ireland in the 2004 Six Nations Tournament.)
O Jonny the power of your boot
And the accurate heart-stopping route
Of your goal as it ghosts
Through Australian posts
Is a triumph we gladly salute.
O Martin the height of your leap
And the gritty possession you keep
Of the slippery ball
In the ruck and the maul
Is enough to make patriots weep.
O Jason the speed of your feet
And their side-stepping hop-scotching beat
As you touch down and score
While the terraces roar
Is the thing that makes chariots sweet.
O forwards and backs you have all
Shown us wonderful ways to walk tall
And together with Clive
You will help us survive
Our losses with other-shaped balls.
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