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Published by: Zila Mbekela, 2 October 2024
The beauty of rugby lies in the blend of skill, speed, and power on display every time a player races for the try line. Over the years, there have been countless tries that left us in awe—moments etched in our memories forever. From the early 2000s to the late 2010s, rugby fans have witnessed some of the most breathtaking and skillful tries in the history of the game. In this article, we delve into five tries that live rent-free in the minds of rugby enthusiasts—each a demonstration of the remarkable athleticism and tactical mastery that makes rugby so thrilling to watch.
While there are many more incredible tries to celebrate, the ones below have been chosen for their unforgettable impact and the sheer brilliance with which they were executed.
1. Bryan Habana’s Try vs the Blues (2005)
Bryan Habana, South Africa’s rugby icon, is synonymous with speed and finishing ability. But his 2005 try against the Auckland Blues in the Super 12 still stands as one of his most iconic moments.
In this particular game, Habana produced a moment of magic that left the crowd on their feet. After a quick counter-attack try initiated by the Bulls' backline, Habana received the ball deep in his half after a restart and kick-off with only one thing on his mind: to get to the try line.
He swerved past the first defender, accelerated away from the second, kicked the ball passed the third would-be defender and outpaced them to score in the corner. His blistering pace and determination were breathtaking.
Habana’s try against the Blues was not just about the speed, but also his tactical awareness and ability to evade multiple defenders. This try cemented his status as a player who could change games single-handedly and became a highlight of an illustrious career.
2. Takudzwa Ngwenya’s Try vs South Africa (2007)
Takudzwa Ngwenya’s sensational try for the USA against South Africa during the 2007 Rugby World Cup has remained unforgettable for all the right reasons. The odds were stacked heavily against the USA when they faced the mighty Springboks, but Ngwenya’s electrifying speed gave them a moment of pride.
In one of the most unexpected match-ups, Ngwenya famously outran South Africa’s Bryan Habana—arguably the fastest player in rugby at the time—on the wing to score a stunning try. The move started from a turnover ball deep in the Eagles' half, and Ngwenya received the ball on the outside. With Habana closing in, Ngwenya backed himself with a lightning-quick sprint to leave Habana in his wake, crossing the line to score one of the most memorable World Cup tries.
That try didn’t just make headlines because of its beauty but also for the historic feat of outrunning a player of Habana’s caliber. Ngwenya’s try remains one of the most celebrated moments in Rugby World Cup history.
3. Sbura Sithole’s Clutch Moment Try in Sevens (2011)
Sbura Sithole’s try in the 2011 Sevens World Series is the stuff of legends in South African rugby. During the Edinburgh Sevens leg of the series, South Africa was locked in a tense battle against Australia in the final. With time running out, the match was on a knife’s edge when Sithole produced a moment of pure magic.
From deep inside the opposition's ten meter line, Sithole collected the ball and made a darting run. The Australian defense seemed to have him covered, but Sithole’s strength and incredible pace left defenders grasping at thin air. He evaded three tacklers with superb agility and power to scored not too far from the corner to secure victory for South Africa.
The clutch nature of this try, combined with the stakes at hand, made it unforgettable. It highlighted Sithole’s ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him the most, showcasing his world-class talent.
4. Wandile Mjekevu’s Third Try vs the Chiefs (2010)
Wandile Mjekevu’s performance against the Chiefs in 2010 is still spoken of with reverence, especially his third try that left fans in awe. Playing for the Lions in Super Rugby, Mjekevu was having a field day against the Chiefs’ defense. His third try in particular was a masterclass in positioning, timing, and finishing. In a high-scoring match, the lions unfortunately fell short 72-65 at full-time.
The ball was spun wide after a well-worked line-out, and Mjekevu found himself in space with only the fullback to beat. He approached the defense in a cool and collected manner and showed precise footwork to finish off the last try of the match.
Mjekevu’s ability to find the try line three times in a single game was a testament to his skill and athleticism. His hat-trick performance, particularly the third try, solidified his reputation as one of the rising stars of South African rugby at the time.
5. Aphiwe Dyantyi’s Super Rugby Try vs the Waratahs (2018)
Aphiwe Dyantyi’s rise to rugby prominence was meteoric, and one of the defining moments of his early career came during a Super Rugby match against the Waratahs in 2018. Dyantyi was a relatively unknown player at the start of the season, but his incredible try against the Australian side catapulted him to international fame.
Receiving the ball near the twenty-two meter line, Dyantyi quickly chipped and gathered the ball, and accelerated through the Waratahs' defensive line. What made this try stand out wasn’t just his explosive speed, but his vision and awareness. Dyantyi showed amazing footwork to outpace the frozen defenders in place, allowing him to race clear and dive over for a superb solo effort. His balance, poise, and ability to exploit space were phenomenal on that day.
This try earned Dyantyi the “Super Rugby Try of the Week” award and helped cement his place as one of the brightest young talents in South African rugby.
The Art of Try Scoring: Why These Tries Are Unforgettable
The five tries highlighted above showcase the evolution of rugby over the years, from the tactical ingenuity and raw speed of Bryan Habana to the raw power and instinct of Aphiwe Dyantyi. These moments transcend mere statistics—they capture the essence of rugby's unpredictable beauty.
But beyond the highlights reel, these tries tell the story of players who, in moments of pressure, found a way to deliver. Whether it was in a World Cup match, Super Rugby, or Sevens, the brilliance on display has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, rugby fans can name countless other tries that deserve recognition. Who could forget the likes of Shane Williams, Christian Cullen, or Israel Folau—players who have all had their share of moments that live long in the memory? The world of rugby is filled with extraordinary talent, and every fan has their personal favorite try that they’ll never forget.
However, for this article, these five tries are the ones that stand out—moments of brilliance that will live rent-free in our heads for years to come.
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