Rugby is a sport known for its exhilarating moments and spectacular tries. Throughout the years, players have showcased their skill, speed, and creativity to score unforgettable tries that leave fans in awe. In this article, we will delve into the ten best rugby tries of all time, describing each try in detail and reliving the magic on the field.
- Jonah Lomu vs. England (1995): In the Rugby World Cup semifinal, Jonah Lomu left an indelible mark with his incredible try. Bursting through multiple defenders, he displayed an extraordinary blend of power and speed, bulldozing his way to the try line.
- Brian O’Driscoll vs. Australia (2001): During the British and Irish Lions tour, Brian O’Driscoll produced a moment of brilliance. With a scintillating sidestep, he left the Australian defense in disarray, weaving through the gaps before touching down in the corner.
- Joost van der Westhuizen vs. England (1995): In the Rugby World Cup final, Joost van der Westhuizen showcased his sheer determination. Snatching the ball from an opponent, he embarked on a breathtaking solo run, evading tackles and leaving defenders in his wake.
- Shane Williams vs. Scotland (2008): Known for his agility and elusiveness, Shane Williams mesmerized spectators with a try against Scotland. With lightning-quick footwork, he darted through a crowded defense, showcasing his incredible speed and evasive skills.
- Serge Blanco vs. Australia (1987): Serge Blanco’s try in the inaugural Rugby World Cup final was a moment of sheer brilliance. Collecting a chip kick, he displayed exceptional control, balance, and acceleration, outmaneuvering the Australian defense to secure a historic victory for France.
- Jean-Luc Sadourny vs. New Zealand (1994): Jean-Luc Sadourny’s try against the mighty All Blacks showcased audacity and skill. Gathering a deep kick near his own try line, he embarked on an audacious counterattack, jinking and sidestepping his way through a host of defenders to score an unforgettable try.
- Christian Cullen vs. Australia (2000): Christian Cullen, known as the “Paekakariki Express,” displayed his blistering speed in a try against Australia. Receiving the ball deep in his own half, he accelerated away from the pursuing defenders, leaving a trail of dust as he raced to the try line.
- Gareth Edwards vs. Scotland (1971): Considered one of the greatest rugby tries of all time, Gareth Edwards’ score in the Five Nations Championship showcased exceptional teamwork and individual brilliance. After a series of intricate passes and offloads, Edwards received the ball and sprinted through a gap to score under the posts.
- Beauden Barrett vs. Australia (2018): Beauden Barrett’s try during a Bledisloe Cup match was a demonstration of skill, vision, and speed. Gathering a cross-field kick, he showcased his exceptional footwork and agility, leaving defenders grasping at thin air as he dotted down in the corner.
- Philippe Saint-André vs. England (1991): Philippe Saint-André’s try in the Five Nations Championship epitomized determination and resilience. Fielding a clearance kick deep in his own half, he embarked on a breathtaking solo run, sidestepping defenders and showcasing his unwavering commitment to reach the try line.
Conclusion
These ten unforgettable rugby tries stand as testament to the skill, athleticism, and creativity displayed by rugby players throughout the years. Each try encapsulates the magic and excitement of the sport, leaving fans and spectators in awe. From Jonah Lomu’s sheer power to Beauden Barrett’s finesse, these moments will forever be etched in rugby’s rich history.
What is a try in rugby? A try is the primary method of scoring points in rugby. It is awarded when a player successfully grounds the ball with downward pressure in the opponent’s in-goal area.
How many points is a try worth? A try is worth five points. However, if a team scores a try and subsequently kicks a successful conversion, two additional points are awarded, making a total of seven points.
What are some key elements required to score a try? To score a try, a player must carry, pass, or kick the ball across the try line and ground it with downward pressure. The player must also remain in control of the ball and stay within the boundaries of the field.
How does a team earn the opportunity to score a try? Teams can create opportunities to score a try through various means, including strategic running plays, set-piece moves, offloading the ball in contact, and exploiting gaps in the opponent’s defense.
What is the role of support players in scoring a try? Support players play a crucial role in the creation of a try-scoring opportunity. They provide additional options for the ball carrier by offering passing options, running support lines, and creating overlaps to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Can a try be scored from anywhere on the field? Yes, a try can be scored from any position on the field as long as the try line is crossed and the ball is grounded with downward pressure in the in-goal area.
How does the referee determine if a try has been scored? The referee, in conjunction with the touch judges or television match official (TMO), closely monitors the grounding of the ball to determine if a try has been successfully scored. They look for clear downward pressure on the ball while the player remains in control.
What happens after a try is scored? After a try is scored, the scoring team is awarded five points. They then have the opportunity to convert the try into an additional two points by successfully kicking the ball through the goalposts.
Are there different types of tries in rugby? While the fundamental concept of a try remains the same, there are various types of tries based on the manner in which they are scored. These include individual solo runs, team tries involving multiple passes, intercept tries, and chip and chase tries, among others.
Are there any memorable or record-breaking try-scoring moments in rugby history? Rugby history is filled with memorable and record-breaking try-scoring moments, such as Jonah Lomu’s iconic solo runs in the 1995 Rugby World Cup and Brian O’Driscoll’s remarkable tries throughout his career.