It’s probably a better try in fact. But, weirdly, it doesn’t have quite the excitement of this one:
It’s not just the extra 10 metres, nor the crowd. Dunno why therefore. Maybe the way that a kick and a hack – which has to go just right of course – isn’t quite the same as a sprint?
Better against the Aussies perhaps, but why choose? Both great tries.
May has improved remarkably in recent years, not just a better try-scorer but a fantastic all round player.
This looks like an enjoyable game for the masses.
Let’s ban it on Health and Safety grounds….
Better against the Aussies perhaps?
No bleeding perhaps about it. The only team I back the Wallabies against is Wales, whereas, other than England, I prefer the Irish to win the Six Nations (accepting that Italy won’t win it).
Agree both great tries, but would say Ashton’s was the better because, though both displayed tremendous individual skill, Ashton’s was built from some great defence and a good turnover, as opposed to an opposition error.
Yes agree but it’s also the excitement of knowing “it’s on” kicks in from so far out. Even though jonny makes a break it’s being closed down until his kick. It’s strange to think he’s not necessarily automatic for the lions.
Surprised me a little that he didn’t completely smoke the no.9 in the foot race. OK jon’d already been sprinting for at least a 3rd of the pitch before the chase was on and he still did eventually leave him sprawling on the ground,but even so that no.9 is no slouch.
And I love the way that Paul one-eyed OConnell groused that England had an extra man in the line-out, that they did not win. Watching that prat get upset made the weekend all the sweeter
May’s try is the better one from a technical point because he had to us more skills rather than just burn them off with sheer speed.
Ashton’s is the more exciting because, as said above, they were under pressure on their own line so a mistake shifting the ball on would have been a serious problem but most importantly it was against the Aussies.
@HallowedBe: May probably checked his pace slightly for the chip ahead and again to dribble it on. But yes, Gibson-Park has some gas. I think G-P thought May was going to gather it, so set for a tackle, which left him screwed when May tapped it on, as hitting him would have been a nailed on penalty try and card. However, what the halfbacks and threequarters get up to is not my area of expertise…
And I love the way that Paul one-eyed OConnell groused that England had an extra man in the line-out, that they did not win. Watching that prat get upset made the weekend all the sweeter
That meant that Ireland had an extra defender who was tied up in the line-out, making the try even better.
What TomJ said. Clever play by May, kicks the ball into empty space and it bounces kindly for him and he can gather it ( which takes quite a bit of skill ). Defender forced to chase as a tackle would have gifted a penalty try.
Ashton’s was better though, simply because he ran the length of the pitch with it in his hands and jinked past the defence.
Let’s be honest: any try against those perfectly dreadful Australians is a great try.
Perfectly timed pass to Splashton from Courtney Lawes as well.
Ashtons “I’m faster than you feckers and we both know it” smile made it for me.
Great tries both. But still. Google “that try” and you get this…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwCbG4I0QyA
Andrew C – yep. I rewatch that sometimes and am amazed by how different the game was: JPR tackled twice and both times a modern ref would have sent the tackler off, just for a start.
In terms of tries that live in the memory, it’s hard to top Bentley’s for the ’97 Lions.
@Tom J.
Yes, I remember watching that one live on TV. Seemed to spark the entire tour into life.
I’m with BiND
It takes skill as well as speed to chip kick at full speed, so May showed more skill than Ashton.
Those neck tackles on JPR would be red cards today, but OTOH those sideburns are a crime.
TomJ- yep- looking again there are adjustments when he takes the burners off slightly.
I see the topic of this discussion has now found its way on to the BBC rugby page.