Wales rugby 1973 v England

Wales rugby 1973 and Phil Bennett starts yet another counter-attack from deep inside his own half that results in a try.

Wales in traditional red shirts

Wales in the red are playing right to left.

Phil Bennett covering back as he so often does, catches the ball 15 to 20 metres in from the far touch line after a kick ahead by England.

He sets off running, straightens, and makes as if to stay on the narrower side of the field.

In doing so he preserves space for support players out to his left.

Approaching the 22 mertre line he is confronted by the England #2 and Bennett sidesteps just as the player comes into the picture on our left.

He easily evades the player and draws another England covering defender who has to move in and tackle him as he off-loads to his support.

No spectacular gain in ground but Bennett`s deceptive play turns defence into attack and...

keeps the bulk of the England defence on the narrow side of the field by appearing to attack that area
preserves space for the continuing attack out wide

suddenly and unexpectedly changes the point of attack
thins the covering defence by drawing one in to tackle him

Great sidestep!

In subsequent play Welsh #14 Gerald Davies is seen using some great elusive running to evade tackles from Englands number 12 and 11.

Eventually the Welsh backs sweep into the England half. Gareth Edwards straightens the attack, preserving space outside him for winger John Bevan.

Note how Edwards forces the last England defender to tackle him yet because of his great passing technique there is never any doubt about his perfectly timed pass and Bevan strides on to score.

Great try!