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Close the polls early - the try of the tournament has already been scored
By Josh Raisey
All Black TJ Perenara’s late finish against Namibia is a leading contender for the try of the Rugby World Cup despite the tournament being only half completed, according to fans on Twitter.
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Having a rare outing at flyhalf from the bench, Perenara scored in the corner after initially making a break from well within his own half. The finish itself was a sight to behold, but the build-up was equally as special.
After Perenara breached Namibia’s defence from his own 22, he was able to get a perfect spirel pass off to winger George Bridge as the makeshift 10 fell to the floor. The ball was quickly recycled, and replacement scrumhalf Brad Weber sniped down the blindside before audaciously passing the ball behind his back for Perenara to run to the corner.
In real time it looked as though the Hurricanes halfback has definitely been bundled into touch, but when slowed down for further adjudication, it was clear he miraculously kept his feet in the field of play.
Fans on Twitter have rightly predicted this to be named the try of the tournament, with some going as far to say that it is the try of the year and even the best try ever at a RWC.
This has been the reaction:
THE TRY OF THE #RWC2019?#AllBlacks @Tj_Perenara amazing stuff #NZLvNAMpic.twitter.com/rs8fU2iotG
— Inshaf Caffoor (@inshafcaffoor) October 6, 2019
TJ Perenara may have well scored the try of the tournament. #NZLvNAM #RWC2019
— Moses Rudende (BEWILDERED HERD MEMBER #0069) (@rudende) October 6, 2019
Surely a candidate for try of the tournament? @TJ_Perenara @AllBlacks #RWC2019 #NZLvNAM pic.twitter.com/og42ZXYEjh
— ITV (@ITV) October 6, 2019
All Black halfback TJ Perenara scores the try of the tournament https://t.co/4QCYgclKkK
I can't say I completely understand the game of rugby, but this was one of the greatest things I've ever watched. Seeing an All Blacks match in person is definitely on my bucket list— Trey Rose ?? (@coachtreyrose) October 7, 2019
@Tj_Perenara just saw your try, Brother! Beautiful. There’s nothing else to be said. Forget try of the tournament, that’s try if the year, surely!
— Rorschachs Journal (@saffa_matt) October 7, 2019
Without a doubt, The BEST try of #RWC2019 #RWC19 thus far! ???#Wellington #NZL ??son #TJPerenara @Tj_Perenara shows serious skill & balance to cross the chalk v #Namibia ! Awesome stuff son! Stuff of Legends!! #allblacks @NZStuff @skysportnz #Rugbyunion #Rugby pic.twitter.com/xG57sa9Nhh
— Franco Lyners (@Zuffenhauzzen) October 7, 2019
Steve Hansen’s decision to play Perenara as a flyhalf from the bench clearly paid off, as both of his halfbacks linked up for the try. The finish even evoked a fist pump from the steely coach, which must be a sign that it was good.
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Backs coach Ian Foster said after the game that they probably should have expected something quite special:
“It’s our fault as coaches. Play two No.9s and mayhem was always going to happen.”
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