The Most Memorable Tries in Rugby History

12 January 2026

Rugby is a sport that thrives on drama, passion, and heart-pounding action. And nothing quite captures the magic of the game like a brilliant try. You know the kind—the ones you remember years after the final whistle, the ones that gave you goosebumps, made you leap out of your seat, or left your jaw hanging open in disbelief.

In this article, we’re diving into the most memorable tries in rugby history. Not just because they were flashy or acrobatic (though many were), but because they defined moments, shaped tournaments, and, in some cases, changed the game forever.

Grab a cuppa, sit back, and let’s go on a nostalgic run through rugby’s greatest tries—the kind you’d put on replay if life had a highlight reel.

What Makes a Try Truly Memorable?

Before we get into the list, let’s talk about what exactly pushes a try into that “unforgettable” category.

Is it the sheer skill? The stakes of the match? The drama leading up to it?

Honestly, it's all of the above. An epic try often combines technical brilliance, team synergy, high-pressure moments, and that little sprinkle of magic. It triggers emotion—whether it's the joy of victory, the sting of a loss, or just pure admiration.

Sound good? Let’s get into the tries that left us speechless.

1. Jonny May’s Rocket vs New Zealand (2020)

When England faced the All Blacks in 2020, no one quite expected Jonny May to pull off what might be one of the fastest and most perfectly executed solo tries ever.

He picked the ball up near halfway… and then it happened.

Like a flash of white lightning, he tore down the wing, zipped past defenders, chipped over Beauden Barrett, collected his own kick like he had magnets in his boots, and crashed over the line.

You could hear every England fan in the room screaming, “What just happened?!”

It was May at his electric best—pure speed, vision, and unmatched confidence.

2. Gareth Edwards’ Try for the Barbarians (1973)

If you’re talking about iconic rugby tries, there’s always one that tops the lists: Gareth Edwards’ stunning try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks in 1973.

This wasn’t just a great try—it was a rugby poem. A symphony in real time.

The move started deep inside their own 22, with Phil Bennett dodging tackles like he was playing tag on a muddy schoolyard. The ball moved from player to player—JPR Williams, John Pullin, Tommy David, Derek Quinnell—and finally, Gareth Edwards finished the masterpiece by diving over.

Commentators called it “the greatest try ever.” Nearly 50 years later, that statement still holds weight. It's rugby artistry at its finest.

3. Jonah Lomu Bulldozing England (1995 World Cup)

You can't talk classic tries without mentioning the late, great Jonah Lomu.

The 1995 Rugby World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and England gave us one of the most brutal, awe-inspiring moments in the sport. Lomu wasn’t just scoring tries—he was redefining what a winger could be.

But that one try—oh man, that one—was mind-blowing.

Lomu picked up a pass on the wing, charged full steam ahead, and absolutely steamrolled Mike Catt on his way to the line. It wasn’t just a score. It was a statement: “I’m coming through, and you're not stopping me.”

It was raw power in motion. To this day, it sends shivers down rugby fans’ spines.

4. Cheslin Kolbe’s Dazzler in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final

Finals are usually cagey. Players keep it tight. Mistakes are costly.

But not Cheslin Kolbe.

In the 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England, with South Africa already ahead, Kolbe put the cherry on top with a slice of magic.

He received the ball out wide, facing several defenders. Instead of kicking or passing, he danced. A lightning sidestep here, a juke there, and then he turned on the afterburners. What followed was a rapid-fire try that sealed the game and South Africa’s third World Cup.

Small in stature, Kolbe proved that heart and footwork can be just as deadly as brute force.

5. Takudzwa Ngwenya vs South Africa (2007 World Cup)

Now here’s a left-field gem.

USA vs. South Africa, 2007 Rugby World Cup. The Eagles were massive underdogs. But Takudzwa Ngwenya didn’t care.

He received the ball on the sideline, facing Bryan Habana—a speedster in his own right and one of the fastest men in rugby history.

Ngwenya didn’t just match him. He outpaced him.

That’s right, he gassed Habana on the outside, flying down the touchline to score what many consider the try of the tournament. The underdog just roasted the star.

Even though the USA lost the game, that try was a defining moment for American rugby. Proof that they could shine on the world stage.

6. Scott Gibbs’ Wembley Wonder (1999 Five Nations)

Let’s set the scene.

It’s 1999. Five Nations. England vs. Wales at Wembley. England needs a win for the title. Enter Scott Gibbs, wearing red and breathing fire.

In the dying minutes, Gibbs picks up the ball and goes full beast mode. He barrels through England defenders like a rhino in a shopping mall—smashing, spinning, storming over the line.

The stadium erupts. The commentary goes wild. And Neil Jenkins slots the conversion to break English hearts.

That try didn’t just win the match—it handed the championship to Scotland. Talk about a game-changer.

7. Jean-Luc Sadourny’s French Flair (1994 vs. New Zealand)

What do you get when you mix desperation, French flair, and one last roll of the dice?

Jean-Luc Sadourny’s unforgettable try in 1994.

France was trailing New Zealand in the dying moments. They had to go the length of the field, and they did it in classic Les Bleus style—offloads, cheeky passes, and pure chaos.

After what felt like a rugby ballet, Sadourny finished it off in the corner.

Don’t let the calm execution fool you. That try was built on instinct, courage, and a pinch of madness—the kind only France can serve up.

8. Julian Savea’s Bulldozer Try vs France (2015 Quarter-Final)

Raise your hand if you remember Jonah Lomu’s tries and thought, “That’ll never happen again.”

Then came Julian Savea.

During the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, Savea picked up the ball from the wing and turned into a human wrecking ball. He bounced off three defenders—literally shrugged them off—and forced his way across the line.

It was so reminiscent of Lomu that fans and commentators actually dubbed it “Lomu 2.0.”

Power, pace, balance—it was all there. And France? Well, they had no answer.

9. Ben Kayser’s Team Try vs Ireland (2007)

Not all tries are about individual brilliance. Some are shining examples of perfect team rugby.

That’s what made Ben Kayser’s try in 2007 so beautiful.

France moved the ball seamlessly across the field—switching directions, using decoys, making clever offloads—and every player was in on the action. It was like watching a rugby orchestra hit every note perfectly.

Kayser just had to finish the move, but it was that collective effort that made it unforgettable.

10. Carlos Spencer’s Magic in Super Rugby

Carlos Spencer was a rugby maverick. And you always felt like something insane was about to happen whenever he touched the ball.

One of his most outrageous moments came in Super Rugby, when he threw a no-look between-the-legs pass to Joe Rokocoko, who then scored untouched.

Wait…what?

Yes. A between-the-legs, reverse pass. In a professional game.

It was cheeky, skillful, and utterly ridiculous—in the best way possible. That's why fans still talk about it.

So, Why Do These Tries Stick With Us?

They aren’t just tries. They’re stories.

Each of these moments tells a tale of courage, brilliance, or pure determination. Some were clutch plays under pressure. Others were displays of superhuman talent.

They remind us why we love this wild, unpredictable game—because anything can happen.

So next time you’re watching a match, keep your eyes peeled. The next unforgettable try could be just around the corner.

Honorable Mentions

Let’s be honest—narrowing this list down to just ten was tough. So here are a few more that nearly made the cut:

- Joe Rokocoko vs. Australia (2003) – Footwork for days.
- George North vs. France (2013) – Beast mode from a teenager.
- Brian O’Driscoll’s hat trick vs. France (2000) – A breakout performance.
- Israel Folau’s debut try (2013) – A sign of many more to come.

All incredible, all worthy of praise.

Final Whistle

There’s nothing quite like a try that leaves a stadium stunned or a nation celebrating. Whether it's strength, flair, speed, or sheer guts—these moments capture why rugby is so beloved around the world.

And the best part? There are plenty more to come.

Keep watching, keep cheering, and keep those highlight reels ready. Who knows? The next great try might just become your new favorite.