Tries Of The Year 2014
There have been some outstanding tries scored in the rugby world in 2014. Here are the top 20 of our favourites from the last 12 months, which includes an appearance from the Honey Badger, and Brian O'Driscoll's one and only try in 2014, and his last career try.
13. Brian O'Driscoll v Munster
We couldn't not include Brian O'Driscoll's last ever career try now could we? It's almost fitting that it's against Munster all the way back to last March.
12. Kieran Marmion v Leinster
It was the difference in a historic win for Connacht over their more fancied rivals in the Sportsground. But what an ankle breaking sidestep from Kieran Marmion.
11. Nick Cummins v Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvq5pOXxWKc
Nick Cummins aka The Honey Badger is gathering quite a following, not only in Australia, but in Ireland as well. This was one of the matches of the year, and the way Cummins pushes Francis Saili out of the way to get on the end of the pass as he explains below:
10. Alapati Leiua v Crusaders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v4BKngx3Xg
The now Wasps winger/centre was awesome for the Hurricanes last year in Super Rugby. This is one of the best individual tries of the year, hence it makes it to this post, as Leiua beats 6 defenders before putting the ball down.
9. Manuel Montero v Ireland
This try may have been scored against Ireland, but we ended up winning the game, so it doesn't hurt too much. From Nicholas Sanchez's fantastic step and break through the line, to Montero's audacious finish, this was a superb try.
8. Tevita Li v South Africa U20
You'll be hearing a lot more of the name Tevita Li in years to come. Li is the latest superstar youngster from New Zealand. The 18 year old featured for the Blues in Super Rugby scoring some spectacular tries there, but this individual effort in the Junior World Cup against eventual runners up South Africa tops the lot. Not 19 until next March, Li scored a hat trick in this match. Another scaring combination of pace and power, Li is something special.
7. Warwick Tecklenburg v Bulls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLjg3KRe7Sw
This try makes the tries of the year 2014 list for one reason and one reason only. You'll know exactly what I'm talking about and I'm not ashamed to say it illicited a response not too dissimilar to this from me.
6. Andrew Trimble v France
The try that gave people hope that Ireland could win in France and secure the 6 Nations title. It wasn't the try that got us back into the game, nor was it the final try. It put Ireland in front for the first time, and we were riding the crest of momentum at this stage.
5. Jonny Sexton v Italy
This was Brian O'Driscoll's last "wow" moment in an Irish jersey on homesoil. Just watch and marvel at how he contorts his hand to make that sumptous offload. If you are a young outhalf, you could do worse than watch Sexton's movement as he follows the play to ensure he's the one who gets the easy run in for the try.
4. Fa'asiu Fuatai v North Harbour
This strange set piece move reminds me of my favourite try ever. This is from New Zealand's ITM Cup scored by talented youngster Fa'asiu Fuatai. It even bamboozles the commentator which just adds to the enjoyment you get from watching it.
3. Tommy Bowe v Leicester
Tries of first phase moves don't happen that often anymore. Therefore, intricate passing first phase moves appeal to me hugely. Tommy Bowe's unfortunately irrelevant try against Leicester in the first round of the Champions Cup was something special.
2. Richie McCaw v South Africa
IRB Player of the year 2013 is the reason why this is no.2 on the list of tries of the year 2014. Read is the big kid in the playground playing keepaway basketball from the smaller South African defenders, before Richie McCaw gives the play the try it deserves.
1. Bernard Foley v Brumbies
The try of the year. Why? Everything about it, from the frantic nature of the play, the sumptous offload from 6'10'' giant Will Skelton and the energy from Bernard Foley, who makes the initial tackle before getting up and busting a gut to get the pass from Skelton.
