![\"Lewis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/53ee7eeabf57774ef816bbcfd5735bd152172e9f.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nAfter Elton Flatley had levelled the scores at 17-17 with a nerveless penalty on 97 minutes, George Smith received the ball from the restart, with Moody the first man there to tackle him.<\/p>\n
Seconds later, Wallabies halfback George Gregan passed the ball back to Mat Rogers to kick for touch. Again, Moody was the first man there, diving at full stretch to deprive Rogers of vital metres as he lined up his clearing kick deep in his own half.<\/p>\n
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Lewis Moody, on left, with England teammates after their victory in the 2003 World Cup final.Credit: PA Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Ultimately, England won the attacking lineout, eventually setting up the attacking platform for Jonny Wilkinson to kick the World Cup-winning drop goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was abrasive,\u201d Waugh said. \u201cWhen you think of people who put their body on the line, his name comes on top.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was ferocious, had little regard for his body and did everything for his team. In that final, when you were able to bring on someone like Lewis Moody, those are the big moments, that defined the outcome, and ultimately, Lewis\u2019 impact was instrumental in them closing them out the game to win.\u201d<\/p>\n
Waugh is looking forward to catching up with Moody on Saturday.<\/p>\n
![\"Former](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/04a2c8369d61a3bb25abf4c974c62cc7cd0db41c.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Former league star Mat Rogers watches on as England claim the Rugby World Cup in 2003.Credit: AP<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be an emotional day for him on Saturday, to be involved in the pre-game,\u201d Waugh said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the first English Test since the announcement. I\u2019ll definitely catch up with him and I\u2019m really looking forward to that. We\u2019ve been in touch.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter playing Test rugby, there\u2019s always that connection and that bond. There\u2019s that great respect, and I always had that for Lewis, who played the game hard, but always very fair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moody has thanked both England and the Wallabies for their support as he and family navigate the diagnosis.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was one of my life\u2019s greatest pleasures to play for England; to pull on that white jersey, to represent it and all those who had supported and contributed to my journey, in a way that would make them proud,\u201d Moody said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore importantly, I loved the privilege of doing it alongside some of the most competitive, loyal, committed and hardworking individuals I have ever met. Those bonds and values feel stronger than ever to me today, as a new challenge presents itself and the love and support of this special community embraces us.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt will be an honour to carry the match ball out on Saturday, as a new generation of warriors get set to pull on the jersey and make us proud. My family and I are truly grateful to all the players, England Rugby and Rugby Australia for all their kindness and support.\u201d<\/p>\n