Wales rugby 1969 v England

Wales rugby 1969 and the backs provide a platform for a great jinking run and try by Barry John.

Wales in traditional red jerseys

Wales in red shirts with the ball playing left to right.

This Welsh movement really gets going with a terrific chip (chip kick) and regather by Jarrett(?)

He runs again after regathering but then throws a loose pass which goes behind his support.

But it`s OK!

It`s taken neatly on the bounce by Barry John (the greatest Lion of them all(?)), backing up slightly behind the rest of the back line.

When you, as a player, throw a pass in this sort of situation, you are under extreme pressure.

Things turned out well. Was it simply luck or was Barry John able to take the pass because of clever support play?

He stretches out, but not for long.

Seeing an England player covering across he realises he`ll not make it on the outside.

How does he know? Is it "vision"?

Or is it his outstanding skill at reading the game?

He quickly shortens stride, clever short paces.

He finishes with a two footed skip sideways.

He`s past the England defender on the inside.

Picking up pace again and carrying the ball out in front in two hands (what I call a two hand carry) he heads for the try line, weaving his way forward.

He finishes by sidestepping the England #7 coming across in cover defence just metres from the line and touches down.

I`d love to see this piece of play from head on so you can see exactly how the defender was beaten.

Great footwork! Fantastic try!

You`ll see it on this video

"101 Best Tries - with Cliff Morgan" - my VCR says it`s around the 5:38 mark (or thereabouts!).

It has the heading "Barry John 1969 - Wales v England"

Barry John footwork on YouTube (if it is still there).