2. Gareth Edwards – Barbarians v New Zealand 1973
It is often regarded, certainly by those of a certain age, as the greatest try ever scored. It is, of course, “that try”, Gareth Edwards’s spectacular effort for the Barbarians against New Zealand on 27 January 1973.
The move was started by Wales fly-half Phil Bennett, whose dazzling side-steps confounded the All Black defenders bearing down on him.
1. Jonah Lomu – New Zealand v England 1995
Poor Michael Catt. He will forever be remembered as the man Lomu bulldozered over in Cape Town to confirm the All Black’s status as rugby’s first superstar. While Lomu had already set the World Cup alight in 1995, the semifinal in Cape Town was his crescendo.
Lomu received the ball from a bad pass, had to turn and collect, fend off Rory Underwood before powering past Will Carling and finally over the unfortunate Catt. It was the most memorable moment from the 1995 World Cup, and despite all the power and precision in Cape Town, the Springboks found a way to stop him a week later.
The fact that Lomu never scored against the Boks remains a talking point today, while Catt will be one of the few who want to forget the moment forever.