
In rugby, scoring a try is one of the most exhilarating moments of the game. A try, worth five points, is achieved when a player grounds the ball in the opponent’s in-goal area. Tries are the backbone of rugby, reflecting teamwork, strategy, and individual skill. This article delves into the most common types of tries, how they occur, and effective ways to prevent them.
1. Set-Piece Tries
Set-piece tries originate from scrums and lineouts, where teams execute pre-planned moves to outmaneuver their opponents. These tries showcase strategic brilliance and synchronization.
How They Occur:
Scrum Tries: A dominant scrum often sets the foundation. The scrum-half collects the ball from the base, passing to the fly-half or another backline player. Creative backline moves or quick passes can exploit gaps in the opposition’s defensive line.
Lineout Tries: A well-executed lineout provides clean ball possession. Teams might drive a maul toward the try line or execute swift passing moves to score wide.
Defensive Strategies:
Against Scrum Tries: Maintain a strong, stable defensive line. Defensive players should communicate effectively, staying compact to avoid gaps.
Against Lineout Tries: Counter mauls by engaging low and collectively driving forward. Defend the lineout with precise timing to disrupt clean possession.
2. Counter-Attack Tries
Counter-attack tries occur when a team capitalizes on turnover ball, transitioning rapidly from defense to offense.
How They Occur:
Turnovers: A dropped ball, an intercepted pass, or a poor kick creates opportunities. Players with sharp awareness exploit unstructured defensive setups.
Broken Play: Chaos in defensive organization allows attacking players to find space and mismatches.
Defensive Strategies:
Kick Chase Discipline: Ensure the chasing line stays intact. Players should aim to pressure the receiver while maintaining a solid line to prevent breaks.
Turnover Preparedness: React quickly to turnovers, prioritizing defensive alignment over pursuing the ball carrier.
3. Backline Tries
Backline tries often showcase the speed, agility, and creativity of the backline players, particularly wingers and centers.
How They Occur:
Overlap Creation: When the attacking team draws in defenders, creating space on the flanks for wingers.
Slick Passing: Quick hands and accurate passes stretch the defensive line, opening gaps.
Individual Brilliance: Exceptional players with speed and footwork beat defenders one-on-one.
Defensive Strategies:
Line Integrity: Defensive players should trust their inside and outside teammates, avoiding unnecessary drifting.
Tackling Technique: Focus on solid, low tackles to prevent line breaks. Isolate key attackers to disrupt momentum.
4. Pick-and-Go Tries
Pick-and-go tries arise from repeated, short bursts of forward play near the try line.
How They Occur:
Close-Range Drives: Forwards recycle possession, taking turns to charge at the defensive line from rucks.
Exploiting Weak Points: Defenders tiring or losing focus in the tight channels allow attackers to force their way over.
Defensive Strategies:
Low Tackles: Target the legs of ball carriers to prevent forward momentum.
Ruck Vigilance: Guard the fringes of rucks with strong, well-positioned defenders to repel pick-and-go attempts.
5. Kick-and-Chase Tries
Kick-and-chase tries result from well-placed tactical kicks that attackers pursue to score.
How They Occur:
Grubber Kicks: A short, bouncing kick into space catches defenders off guard.
Cross-Field Kicks: Aimed toward wingers, these kicks target mismatched or unprepared defenders.
Box Kicks: Executed by scrum-halves to exploit space behind defensive lines.
Defensive Strategies:
Positioning: Fullbacks and wingers should anticipate kicks, staying deep and reading the kicker’s intentions.
Kick Coverage: Ensure multiple defenders chase back to cover the area effectively.
6. Interception Tries
Interception tries are dramatic and often occur against the run of play.
How They Occur:
Predictable Passing: Telegraphed or slow passes allow defenders to anticipate and intercept.
Risky Plays: Attacking teams forcing passes under pressure create interception opportunities.
Defensive Strategies:
Pass Security: Attackers should vary passing lines and avoid telegraphing intentions.
Chase Defense: If an interception occurs, chase down the defender immediately to minimize the impact.
7. Rolling Maul Tries
Rolling mauls are a hallmark of forward-dominated play, particularly effective near the try line.
How They Occur:
Lineout Drives: A catch-and-drive maul from a lineout is a textbook example. Forwards bind together, driving cohesively toward the try line.
Defensive Disruption: If defenders fail to stop the initial drive, attackers gain momentum and force their way over.
Defensive Strategies:
Early Engagement: Disrupt the maul’s setup by attacking the jumper or lifters at the lineout.
Maul Defense: Use coordinated defensive mauls to halt progress, focusing on breaking the bind.
8. Support Play Tries
Support play tries emphasize teamwork, with offloads and supporting runs leading to scores.
How They Occur:
Offloads: Ball carriers draw defenders and offload to a teammate in space.
Quick Support: Teammates running close to the ball carrier capitalize on line breaks.
Defensive Strategies:
Tackle Completion: Focus on grounding the ball carrier immediately, preventing offloads.
Tracking Support Runners: Defenders should monitor and mark potential offload recipients.
9. Breakaway Tries
Breakaway tries occur when an attacker evades all defenders, often running the length of the field to score.
How They Occur:
Line Breaks: Poor defensive alignment or missed tackles create opportunities.
Defensive Errors: Over-committing defenders leave gaps for attackers to exploit.
Defensive Strategies:
Cover Defense: Wingers and fullbacks should maintain depth, positioning themselves to tackle any breakaways.
Communication: Effective communication ensures defenders stay organized and anticipate threats.
Conclusion
Understanding the types of tries in rugby and their underlying mechanics is essential for both players and fans. Each type of try highlights different facets of the game—from strategic precision to individual brilliance. Defensively, countering these tries demands discipline, communication, and situational awareness. By mastering these defensive strategies, teams can reduce the risk of conceding tries, maintaining a solid line of defense while preparing to seize opportunities to score themselves.