The solid reason why TJ Perenara might not win 'Try of the Year'

World Rugby have announced the four nominations for try of the year, and it seems at first that there is only one winner.

The TJ Perenara try against Namibia looks like the clear favourite, and the majority of fans on social media seem to agree. Many felt it was possibly the best try ever scored at the Rugby World Cup when it happened, and it has rightfully been nominated.

As good as Sergio Parisse’s try was against Russia, Cobus Reinach’s was against Canada or Charles Ollivon’s was against Wales, the All Blacks scrumhalf’s (playing flyhalf in this match) try had everything. The build-up play was exquisite, particularly the pass from Brad Weber behind his back, but the finish itself was mind-bogglingly good.

However, some fans have been quick to point out that Frenchman Ollivon is more deserving of the award, because his was the only try against tier one opposition.

With no disrespect to Namibia, Canada or Russia, it is hard to believe that three of those tries would have been scored against the world’s best defences. On the other hand, the French not only mustered their try against one of the most respected defences in world rugby in Wales, but in a RWC quarter-final. Many fans feel that should be taken into account when making these decisions.

This is what some fans have said:

https://twitter.com/tafudzwai/status/1189472000617545729?s=20
https://twitter.com/ASMCA31/status/1189514739543613440?s=20
https://twitter.com/NebuloniCyril/status/1189564162705367045?s=20
https://twitter.com/levz_2019/status/1189482465120768000?s=20
https://twitter.com/AfriCryptoDale/status/1189473626631933952?s=20
https://twitter.com/tate_sam/status/1189473916919697408?s=20

I struggle to believe that three of those tries would have been scored against top class opponents. Namibia falling off tackles, people out of position for Canada and well Russia are Russia.

— Chris Dunn (@chrisdunn80) October 30, 2019

Inevitably, there are plenty of tries that fans feel should have found their way onto the list, particularly Faf de Klerk’s for South Africa after a 50-metre rolling maul, which has since developed a cult following in the aftermath.

But while it is hard to look beyond the stunning try the All Blacks managed, the context of the Ollivon finish makes his a worthy contender.

Warren Gatland has wished England well for the World Cup final against South Africa and also hailed their stunning semi-final defeat of New Zealand.