Rugby’s Greatest Play: “That Try”

According to the BBC, “The Barbarians are a unique rugby club, with no natural home, membership by invitation only and a philosophy based on adventure and attack.”  In 1973, the club’s play matched their philosophy when they took on the touring All Blacks from New Zealand.

The most exciting rugby play — “That Try” — by Gareth Edwards came early in the match and helped the Barbarians to a 23 – 11 win.

Cliff Morgan, the announcer, described the try like this, “Kirkpatrick to Williams.  This is great stuff!  Phil Bennett covering chased by Alistair Scown.  Brilliant, oh, that’s brilliant! John Williams, Bryan Williams. Pullin. John Dawes, great dummy. To David, Tom David, the half-way line! Brilliant by Quinnell!  This is Gareth Edwards! A dramatic start! What a score!  Oh that fellow Edwards.”

Edwards was voted “The Greatest Welsh Player of All Time” at a Players’ Association dinner in 2001.

1973 Barbarians vs. The All Blacks — “That Try”

New Zealand’s All Blacks Rugby Team’s Haka

Prior to international rugby matches, New Zealand’s All Blacks perform a haka dance.  The Māori war style dance has been a part of the team’s pre-game ritual dating back to 1884.  Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.  The most performed haka at New Zealand rugby games is called the “Ka mate, Ka Mate.”

According to the All Blacks website,

More than any aspect of Maori culture, this complex dance is an expression of the passion, vigour and identity of the race. Haka is not merely a past time of the Maori but was also a custom of high social importance in the welcoming and entertainment of visitors. Tribal reputation rose and fell on their ability to perform the haka (Hamana Mahuika)

New Zealand vs. Tonga with both teams performing their pre-game dance

The movie “Invictus” — How a sport united South Africa

“Invictus” is Latin for invincible or unconquerable.  It’s the title of a short poem by the British poet William Ernest Henley.  It’s also the title of an inspirational, sports feel good movie that opens Friday, December 11.

Per Warner Bros., “From director Clint Eastwood, “Invictus” tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to help unite their country.

Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.”

MOVIE TRAILER

VIDEO — The real Francois Pienaar, South African rugby legend, shares his thoughts on Mandela