Wales rugby 1977 v Ireland

Wales rugby 1977 against Ireland and Phil Bennett shreds the defense when he switches play and sidesteps.

Bennett in red for Wales

Wales in their usual red shirts playing left to right.

Following a line-out on the far side,

a kick ahead and some rucking and mauling

Welsh centre #13 Fenwick passes the ball to

#10 Phil Bennett on the Irish 22 metre line. Danger for the Irish!

In this sort of situation, decisions made by the players are vital. You must have a great knowlwdge of the game - what is possible and what is not possible.

Reading the game well and seeing the Irish defense in position Bennett quickly switches play.

He knows it will be fruitless to continue, that`s why he starts ahead and to the right behind the breaking maul.

As he nears the group of Welsh and Irish players

he sidesteps right

avoids the nearest Irish player and

slips between two more wrong-footed Irish players.

It`s amazing how one difficult to detect and a seemingly innocuous movement can wreak such havoc in a well organised defence!

Play continues as Bennett pops the ball to his support
(see, pop pass).

Welsh #12 gives a clever pass behind his Irish tacklers.
(see, round the corner pass)

Using passes like these to keep the ball alive are hallmarks of what is known as running rugby.

The Welsh winger, #14 Gerald Davies gathers the ball

before diving over the line, TRY!!

Great Sidestep!

Fantastic try!

The video tape is "101 Best Tries - with Cliff Morgan" - my VCR says it`s around the 38:46 mark.

The heading, "Gerald Davies - 1977 Wales v Ireland".

Slow motion will help you study it - you may find it useful.