Welsh rugby 1978 v France

Welsh rugby 1978 against France and Phil Bennett shows how to score with a bit of magic from near the line.

Welsh pressing

Wales in red tops playing left to right.

We don`t see the cause of the stoppage in play, but the game is just about to be restarted.

Wales are putting pressure on the French, packing down a scrum just 5 metres out from the French line to the left of the posts.

France has the put-in and would normally expect to get the ball, but the Welsh forwards wheel the scrum and it begins to break up in disarray.

Neither scrum-half has a clue where the ball is so it`s unclear what will happen next - re-pack the scrum you may think.

Suddenly the ball is passed from the far side of the scrum.

It looks as though a lock forward (#5) has simply picked up the ball from near his feet and decided to pass rather than bullock his way over - that doesn`t happen very often!

The ball goes to Bennett who takes a few strides across field.

Suddenly he sinks his hips and makes as if

he`ll pass - long, out wide.

But it`s a dummy /sidestep combination!

Instead of the pass he uses his body and leg position

and explodes right

giving defenders no chance

He darts past one and wriggles free from another

as he flashes in to score.

Fantastic step! - or is it a dummy? Nah, it`s a STEP!

Great try!

You can see it on this video

"101 Best Tries - with Cliff Morgan" - my VCR says it`s around the 46:49 mark (give or take a bit).

It`s heading - "Phil Bennett - 1978 Wales v France".

Slow motion will help you see how you do it.