Thrilling Try Scoring in Rugby
Scoring a try in rugby is one of the most exciting and rewarding moments of the game. A try is worth five points and is achieved when a player successfully grounds the ball in the opponent's in-goal area. When attempting to score a try, the attacking team aims to carry, pass, or kick the ball across the goal line while evading the opposition's tackling efforts.
Attacking Players Forge Try-Scoring Opportunities
An interesting fact about scoring a try in rugby is that traditionally, in order to score a try, the ball must be grounded with downward pressure in the in-goal area (the area behind the opponent's try line). However, according to a lesser-known rule, if a player successfully catches their own kick and regains possession before touching the ground, they can score a try without actually physically grounding the ball. This unconventional method, known as a 'try without touching the ground,' has only been achieved a handful of times in the history of rugby, making it a rare and remarkable feat.
To score a try, players use a combination of speed, agility, and strategy. Often, a strong and synchronized forward pack advances the ball towards the try line through an offensive play known as a maul or pick-and-go. The attacking team must work together to create gaps or exploit weaknesses in the defense, allowing the ball carrier to break through and reach the in-goal area.
Backline Moves: Key to Scoring Tries
Another common way to score a try is by making use of a backline move. Here, the ball gets passed between the backs, with each player attempting to outwit the opposition's defensive line and create an opening for a player to sprint through and touch down the ball behind the try line. Backline moves require precision timing, accurate passing, and a good understanding among the players' roles and responsibilities.
Kicking Tactics That Score Rugby Tries
A fun fact about scoring a try in rugby is that it originally was not worth any points! When the sport was first developed in the early 19th century, a try was simply a way to 'try' at touching the ball down behind the opponent's goal line, giving the team the chance to then kick the ball and score a goal. It wasn't until 1886 that tries became worth four points, and goals worth two points, creating the scoring system we know today.
Kicking can also be employed to score a try. A well-executed grubber kick can be used to bypass the defensive line. The attacking player aims to kick the ball along the ground, allowing it to bounce favorably or roll into the in-goal area, allowing them or a teammate to fall on it and score. Kicking can also be used for crossfield kicks to exploit gaps, or high kicks to put pressure on the opposition and potentially regather the ball for a try.