France rugby 1974 v England

France rugby 1974 and Jean-Pierre Romeu breaks out with a sidestep and is there to finish off a great try. Great support play.

France in...bleu

France in blue shirts are playing right to left.

The English full back would have positioned himself far enough back in his own area of the field to defend against a clearing kick (spiral punt).

In doing that he has left open this opportunity for the defenders to make a shorter, riskier kick to get out of trouble.

Romeu hacks the ball ahead and races after it.

Romeu picks up the ball and sprints towards the English full back, who is just out of picture to the left.

"Brilliant pick up by Romeu" says the commentator.

The full back shows Romeu the touch line, a useful ploy in rugby.

This ploy involves leaving enough space between yourself (tackler) and the touchline to tempt the attacker into believing they can get through the gap.

At the same time you are completely confident you have the speed and ability to either tackle your opponent or force them into touch.

The touchline helps you restrict your opponents ability to avoid being tackled.

Imagine yourself in that situation, pushed closer and closer to the sideline, knowing one foot on the line and your attack is all over.

But Romeu has other ideas! He also has the skills you need.

With a short step on his left leg and a thrust of his right leg Romeu sidesteps left just as he crosses halfway.

He persuaded the English player he was going for the gap inside the touchline, but then used his skill to do exactly the opposite!

The England player is left grasping at air. Great sidestep!

That`s France rugby 1974 but not many other years.

Play continues downfield

with Romeu dummying several times before passing.

Big number 8 Claude Spanghero carries the ball on

and off-loads with a clever reverse flick pass,

would you believe it,

to Jean-Pierre Romeu backing up, who goes in to score!

Great try!

If you must see this try

You`ll find it on "101 Best Tries - with Cliff Morgan" - my VCR says it`s around the 21:15 mark (it varies slightly).

It`s headed "Jean-Pierre Romeu - 1974 France v England".

You`ll like this one!