Ill fan puts game into perspective for Lewsey

Josh Lewsey today revealed how he will be using the dying wishes of an England rugby fan as inspiration - and a reality check - when he steps out into Sydney's Olympic Stadium here tomorrow.

The Wasps full-back told Standard Sport how moved he had been amid all the manic pre-game hype this week to be introduced to a cancer sufferer at the team hotel in Manly.

"This guy is terminally ill with cancer and his last wish was to come thousands of miles to watch England play and hopefully win the World Cup," Lewsey said.

"When something like this happens, not only does it put things in perspective but it is a source of added inspiration.

"Although all we're doing effectively is chasing a pig's bladder around a field, we still have the ability to touch so many people. There's a realisation among the team that we're doing this for everyone back home. It's not a burden but a massive privilege that we're carrying."