KYLE SINCKLER missed Jonny Wilkinson’s World Cup-winning drop goal 20 years ago — because his mum forced him into a maths lesson.
And Sinckler’s World Cup final curse continued when he was carted off just three minutes into England’s 32-12 loss to South Africa in 2019 after being knocked out by Maro Itoje’s knee.
Times Newspapers LtdJonny Wilkinson scored the winning drop-goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final[/caption]
PAKyle Sinckler missed the magic moment as he did his maths tuition[/caption]
A ten-year-old Sinckler was wide-eyed in front of the box as Martin Johnson’s men were locked at 14-14 with Australia after 80 minutes in 2003 in Sydney.
But mum Donna hit the off button as she had arranged extra weekend tuition for her boy.
The prop admits he hit the roof and did not know the result of the game — won by Wilko’s magical kick — until he got home.
He said: “It was a massive motivator for me. Obviously, it went to extra-time and then my mum… she’s so ruthless that woman sometimes!
“It was full-time and she said, ‘You’re going to your maths tutor.’ I said, ‘You’re joking!’
“But she was adamant, ‘No. I’m paying my money. I’m working hard to pay for your maths tutor so you’re going.’ I was like, ‘You are so evil.’
“Before that, I was glued to the TV, it was so inspiring for me watching that — I wanted to emulate that one day.
“I guess that’s why I know that is the responsibility for us as the England rugby team — to pass that inspiration to the next generation.
“So when they watch us playing for England it gives them something to aspire to.”
England head to France today before opening their World Cup campaign against Argentina a week on Saturday.
But their build-up has been nothing like the 2003 squad who were ranked world No 1 landing in Australia.
Former scrum coach Richard Cockerill had said the current team were viewed as a bunch of moaners on the field.
Sinckler added: “Probably in the past we were a bit whiny and a bit complaining.
“You know what it’s like if someone’s always whining and complaining, you’re not going to like it.
“Talk is cheap and it’s about just doing it on the field.
“For me, it’s best to not say anything to the referees, just keep my head down and show them how good I am.”
Sinckler was taken off after getting injured against South Africa in the final four years agoGetty Images – Getty
GettyEngland have tried to shake off their ‘complainers’ tag[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdEngland beat Australia in dramatic scenes 20 years ago[/caption]