Victory of the England rugby team, 2003: A listening comprehension activity

Clive Woodward and his brilliant team won the world cup in 2003, after a fierce ‘battle’ against Australia. The dramatic, fluent deliver of the ball in the last minute, or the deadly minute for the Australians, brought England to the world champion. Woodward’s brilliant young men did have the correct and cool mind in pressure: when 17 points drawn even, the players finished the smooth zigzag delivery and a final beautiful kick to beat Australians. Back in England, the heroes were warmly welcomed by tens of thousands of people as they sat on the bus parading down the streets. This was the glory for the whole country!
This topic can be used as a listening comprehension activity of 20 minutes, which starts with a brief introduction to the background of the match. Then the teacher plays the BBC radio programme to the whole class, based on which a few questions can be raised to facilitate the learners’ understanding of the radio interview. After that, the Youtube video clip of England rugby team’s playing the game in the last minute and their victory parade can be played to the class. The cooperation between the players in the match is elaborated in the radio programme. Video clip here facilitates learners’ comprehension of the radio interview.

For the radio programme, please see 'Sir Clive Woodward' section on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr Only listen to from 6.20 to 10.20

Video clip on Youtube