Phil Bennett's classic try against Scotland in 1977

This is one of those tries that you can watch over and over again. Sheer brilliance by the Welsh against the Scots at Murrayfield in 1977.

The Bill Mclaren commentary says it all, but some brilliant stepping to start it, and right at the end incredible hands, followed by one of the steps of the century that leaves the Scottish defenders lying on the floor helpless.

Phil Bennett scores under the posts to finish off what is commonly known and voted for as one of the best tries of all time.

No replays and not amazing quality, but nevertheless, enjoy this remarkable bit of classic stepping and passing from the team that dominated in the seventies.


Note: As with all videos featured on here, if anyone has a better quality version of this, please don't hesitate to let us know. Thanks.

Share

Tweet

Team spotlight - Scotland

This is for all the Scottish fans who've been wondering why we never feature any of your teams clips. The Scots recently upset Ireland, albeit a B Team, and are looking fit and stronger than we've seen them in recent times.

Here's a compilation of action from the recent matches against Ireland & the Springboks.

We're going to try spotlight a few of the teams before and during the World Cup, giving you some insight and footage of some of the guys you don't normally see.

This ones for you Rob.

Share

Tweet

Dangerous Argentinian tackle vs Wales

Bad up-ending hit here from Lucas Borges of Argentina against Wales a cpl of weeks ago. Similar to the Habana tackle on Percy in the Super 14 this year.

Basically he just mistimed his run, but after watching it again, it was silly to put his arms up and hold the legs. Probably just a reflex action.
Welsh fullback Kevin Morgan bared the brunt of it though and the Welsh were anything but forgiving.

Right wing Borges was sent off for 10 mins, which is fair punishment in my mind.

Share

Tweet

Alternative Rugby Commentary UK Tour

Jed Thian and the boys arrived in London today for the World Cup. They'll be turning the capital even blacker than it already is by broadcasting live from the Grand in Clapham and will no doubt get a whole lot of abuse hurled at them from the non All Black supporters there. Lets hold thumbs.

To sign up for the free Alternative Rugby Commentary go to www.arcrugby.co.nz

Share

Tweet

Clint Newlands punches Neemia Tialata

Hawkes Bay vs Wellington in the Air New Zealand cup a few weeks ago. Watch near the front of the lineout for the blatant punch on All Black prop Neemia Tialata, who goes down like a ton of bricks.

What sparked the incident? No idea, but front rower Clint Newlands will be serving a 10 week ban for his knockout punch, despite appealing the severity of it.

Surely red-cardable had the ref or touch judge spotted it. And how they didn't spot it, only they will know. Lights out Tialata.


Time: 01:07

Share

Tweet

Ronan O'Gara controversial try vs Italy

Ireland played Italy this weekend in Belfast in a World Cup warm up match that before kick off seemed destined to be a win for Ireland. Italy fought hard though and controlled the second half, seemingly on track for a famous win.

O'Gara slotted a drop goal in the 79th minute, placing the hosts in a winning position with a frantic few minutes still to be played.

Late into injury time the Irish flyhalf went over the line and was awarded this controversial try by TMO Derek Bevan. After numerous replays, none of which were 100%
decisive, the try was awarded and the Italians were furious with the outcome.

There is an instant in one of the replays where MAYBE it looks like it went back off O'Gara's legs, then forward off the Italian and down, therefore legal. But in my opinion theres just way too much doubt for it to be awarded. Especially, as pointed out in one of the comments, after that forward pass by Trimble.

Italy scored again after that, but it was victory for the Irish, with the final score being 23 - 20.


Time: 05:05

Share

Tweet

Try Savers & Rib Breakers 5

Yes guys and girls, it's here finally - Try Savers and Rib Breakers 5 is out. After months of waiting, nagging, and encouraging, the 5th instalment of this highly rated compilation series is now complete and ready for your viewing pleasure.

Created by the multi talented Graeme Kennedy, this edition of the brilliant rugby hits compilation video is packed with over 6 mins of try saving and bone crunching action that would surely make your mama cry.

Edition 5 includes clips from the Pacific Nations Cup, 6-Nations, Tri-Nations, Super 14, Sevens and a few well known classics that are worth watching over and over again.

Keep an eye out for the famous Gregan/Wilson tackle, Jonny Wilkinson's try but not really, and of course...The Chiropractor's rearrangement of the 19 year old Springbok's bone structure.

As always, let us know what you think and which is your favourite of the 5 in the series. Constructive criticism, song suggestions and ideas for future clips are welcome.

And remember, always make sure you put the ball down as quick as possible...


Set It Off by Thousand Foot Krutch

Share

Tweet

Ruan Pienaar great solo try

Ruan Piennar will start for the Boks at flyhalf tonight in their World Cup warm up game against Irish side Connacht. The thinking is that during the WC if South Africa have any flyhalf injuries or need a change of tactics, Pienaar is the man who can be backup.

Ideally, he's a scrumhalf and thats his favourite position. But as Jake White has said, he penciled in as backup for 9, 10, 11, 14, and 15. Sometimes a man this talented has trouble cementing his place in a side as a specialist.

For now though at such a young age I'd say he's happy to be in the fold and willing to give his services wherever they're needed.

There's no doubting his versatility either. Some people would say he's a more devastating runner than number nine allows for so he should be at ten or fifteen. Whatever the case, he's a highly talented and gifted athlete who can fit in and make an impact from any position.

Against the Brumbies in Durban in 2005 he showed exactly why he's so highly rated for his running skills. Sublime balance and speed mixed in with a strong rugby heritage passed down on him from his father Gysie, who was a quality Springbok fullback.

Keep a look out for Ruan at this years World Cup. He's bound to have some sort of influence and make an even bigger name for himself.

Share

Tweet

Brian O'Driscoll punched vs Bayonne

This is the punch that nearly dashed Ireland's hopes of inspirational leader Brian O'Driscoll taking them to the World Cup.

A cheap shot from Kiwi lock Mikaera Tewhata, in a World Cup warmup match against the French side Bayonne, caused a fractured sinus and lacerations to O'Driscoll's face.

BOD will be out for 4 weeks, missing the first group game of the World Cup. The injury is not as bad as initially feared though, with O'Driscoll not requiring surgery.

The game was not televised, but as with all Brian O'Driscoll controversial incidents, amateur footage appears miraculously, and this time from the Bayonne video analyst of all people.

A little birdy tells me that the word on the street is that the French side were eye gouging in the mauls and when BOD ran in to help it's because the Irish hooker was getting a working over, before eventually dropping to the floor.

The culprit of the suckerpunch has been banned for two matches, and since apologised for his actions, saying it's not in his nature and would like to apologise to O'Driscoll face to face.

The final score in this ill tempered match was 42-6 to Ireland, with 5 yellow cards being issued.

Ireland are wearing blue as it's not an official test.

Share

Tweet

Richard Bands headclash with Richie McCaw

A few minutes into the 2005 Super 12 match between the Bulls and the Crusaders in Pretoria the Bulls are awarded a free kick for a Crusaders indiscretion. Richard Bands takes off at the Crusaders forward pack and meets Richie McCaw head on, literally. With a header that Peter Crouch would be proud of he connects with the All Black and Crusaders captain and knocks him out cold.

Purely accidental of course, but the collision ends up ending the game for McCaw who's lights out from the moment of impact. Luckily he wasn't seriously injured and was able to play again in the tournament.

As for Richard Bands, he probably felt a slight tickling sensation.

Share

Tweet

Ma'a Nonu shoulder charge on Gavin Henson

This clip is from a high quality game between the All Blacks and Wales from Nov 2004. Exciting counter-attack and venture from both sides, as well as some brutal defensive work.

All Black centre Ma'a Nonu gets a little overeager however, and obliterates Welshmen Gavin Henson with a shoulder after he kicks it.

He gets the 10 mins in the sin bin to think about how to use his arms in future.

Share

Tweet

That George Gregan tackle on Jeff Wilson 1994

This is one of the most famous try saving tackles in the history of the game. It not only robbed the All Blacks of a 1994 Bledisloe Cup win, but it turned a little known Aussie scrumhalf into an international superstar and one of the biggest names in rugby.

With full-time approaching, the All Blacks had one last throw of the dice. With a ruck forming by the left touchline, the ball came out to Zinzan Brooke who threw it to Shane Howarth.

Howarth passed it on to Jeff Wilson who was only appearing in his third Test. With the Wallabies defence tiring, Wilson accelerated from 40 metres out and beat off two defenders before coming back inside and brushing off a third. Only five meters out from the line he made his descent towards the line. The try was all but inevitable.

Out of nowhere came a young George Gregan, playing in his fourth Test and unrecognisable with a youthful afro. He dived across, jolting the ball out of Wilson's grasp and ensuring a famous victory for Australia.

That moment instantly became enshrined in rugby folklore and with it forever linking Gregan and Wilson.

The enduring image of Gregan wrapped around Wilson's body while the ball is airborne signifies what the Bledisloe Cup is all about. In the blink of an eye, someone can achieve immortality.

With thanks to David Wiseman

Share

Tweet

Mark Stewart tackle on Ollie Smith - Lions 2005

This is a huge tackle from Mark Stewart of Taranaki on Ollie Smith, Lions centre. It was a rough tour for the Lions, losing all three Tests and struggling against the physicality of the other New Zealand teams even when they were on top.

This massive hit knocked the wind out of both players, although I reckon Smith came off second best for sure.

Share

Tweet

Marius Joubert soft spear tackle

After seeing Morne Steyn get red carded for a spear tackle a couple of weeks ago, Marius Joubert was only yellow carded for this tackle a week later.

It was definitly not as dangerous as Steyns, but the question has to be asked - should it be a red card for any spear tackle, or is each tackle judged according to the severity of the impact?

It may have been a spear tackle, but it wasn't a "true" spear tackle, as Joel Stransky points out.

Both fans and players alike need consistancy from the refs and the IRB rulings. My feeling is that each tackle should be judged accordingly. Therefore, a yellow was sufficent here. Your thoughts?

Share

Tweet

Eng vs Wales - Tackles & Aggro

Some big tackles and fiery aggresion from last weekends World Cup warmup game between England and Wales.

Watching this clip would make you believe it was a closely contested game. It was anything but, with England romping to victory 62 points to 5.



Headstrong by Trapt

Share

Tweet

John Kirwan 1987

At the inaugral Rugby World Cup in 1987, John Kirwan completely carved up the opposition with some breathtaking displays of speed and agility.

Great balance, strength, and speed make him one of the legendary wingers of the game.

This highlights clip includes possibly the greatest solo try ever, scored against Italy.

Share

Tweet