1969 Wales rugby v France

The 1969 Wales rugby scrum-half was Gareth Edwards. He was much more than that. He was a sidestepping block-busting finisher!

Wales playing in red

Wales are playing left to right in their famous red shirts.

After some loose play following a scrum on the French 10 metre line, Wales get the ball.

Jarrett gets possession, makes ground down the centre of the field and puts in a pass to Taylor as they approach the French 22m line.

The ball is then passed by Taylor to Edwards under difficult circumstances.

Edwards is running fast, backing up out on the right wing - nothing new, he`s been running this pace most of his life!

Edwards reaches back to get it and dra-a-a-gs it in on the French 22.

He cleverly sidesteps a French player, stepping inside him just metres from touch.

It`s not perfect, I think he goes slighly too soon because the player he attempts to beat manages to get an arm in the way and slow Edwards down.

This brings him within range and a covering French player grabs him.

But Edwards keeps going. He shakes him off and bullocks his way forward towards the remaining defenders.

Driving through one he carries the other on his back as he forces his way over for a fantastic try.

• Fast
• skillfull
• expert sidestepper

• prepared to back himself
• never-say-die

Gareth Edwards, what a player!

"Well, few people can wriggle out of as many tackles as that!", says commentator Cliff Morgan.

Watch him on the rugby DVD 101 Great Welsh Tries - my DVD player says it`s at the 1:5:29:58 mark.

You`ll see loads of other sidesteps on it. Use slow motion. Study them well.