1973 Wales rugby v Ireland

The 1973 Wales rugby outside-half was Phil Bennett. His sensational sidestep kick-started a try from nothing!

Bennett something from nothing

Playing left to right, Wales in their famous red shirts.

Phil Bennett, covering back, collects the ball on the far side of the field. It`s not far from touch and a couple of metres inside the Wales 22.

He lazily sizes up the situation as he jogs slowly and shapes to kick - just what`s expected.

But no...

He shapes to run the ball, heading towards centre field with his support and a meeting with the Irish chasers.

It`s all a show!

Suddenly he throws a small but savage sidestep, turning to his left. He claps on the pace, going straight up field.

The two Irish chasers, not even in the picture when Bennett steps, are left for dead by the sharp change in direction and pace.

Jinking past another he`s pulled down by the next.

Falling, he spins the ball out to his support.

Ireland are reeling. After Bennetts vicious thrust, they fail to recover.

Some more slick play and Wales are in at the corner.

TRY to Jim Shanklin!

You`ve just got to see it...

• Artful
• skillfull
• fast

• expert sidestepper
• prepared to back himself
• something from nothing

Phil Bennett, what a player!

Good rugby on DVD

In 1973 Wales rugby was in great shape.

See the rugby DVD 101 Great Welsh Tries - my DVD player says it`s at the 1:2:10:34 mark. There are plenty of other sidesteps on it.

You can also see this on a clip on the internet. It`s not my clip - don`t blame me if it has been removed...no you can`t...it`s been removed (account closed because of copyright violations!)