For the Welsh, Japanese or history buffs.?

Question

I was recently asked, by one of my High School players I coach, to list my three best tries I have ever seen. I went with John Kirwans 80m effort against Italy in the 1987 RWC, The other two I need help with.

One was scored by a Japanese player against the All Blacks while playing for the World XV but I dont know his name.

The other was scored by Jonathan Davies for Wales (pretty sure it wasn't a Lions game) against New Zealand in New Zealand. I remember it being a 50-60m effort, which (considering my bias) means it was probably a 70-80m try. I don't know the year or which ground it was.... I do remember wanting to rip that huge nose off though.

Anyone that knows the answer to either question, it would be appreciated... if there's a link to a youtube video of either one, that'd be WICKED!!!

Answer 1

The first one was a Japanese man diving in mid flight catching the ball and doting down Yoshihito Yoshida that was in the second test match All Blacks vs a World XV.  As good as any try scored or created by David Campese, Rugby World Cup Semi Final.

Yes I agree with A J in saying that the try scored by the French in the Second Test Match to win a series against the All Blacks and Sergio Blanco try against Australia to earn a finals berth in the inaugural Rugby World Cup were excellent tries.

Johnathan Davies played for Wales and scored a runaway try in 1988.

Answer 2

The Kirwan try was good, but I don't know if it can be ranked as the best...it came in a blowout win against inferior opposition in a fairly meaningless game (meaningless because no one in the ABs pool could challenge them).  I'm sure that he scored tries equally as impressive in some meaningless Ranfurly Shield match against Buller or North Otago.

The last minute French try against Australia to win the semifinal of the '87 World Cup was more spectacular.  So was the last minute French try against New Zealand to win the 1994 test series.  Not only were they great scores, but the opposition and the situation actually made them mean something.

I think the Japanese player was Yoshihito Yoshida.  Can't find a youtube link though.  Nor for the Wales one.

Answer 3

The kirwan Try against Italy was one of the best i have seen .. Simply for the sheer number of players he beat in every which way  ..Never mind the length of the field ..

The Yoshida try was for a World Side against the AllBlacks in 1992 at Athletic Park in Wellington . Second test ..

The Jonathan Davies try was at Eden Park Auckland in 1988 . Wales against the AllBlacks  , also second test .. Davies was captain of the Welsh Side ..  They got flogged as well .. By around fifty points  by the AllBlacks .. Pretty average side that Welsh side ..  Davies  was certainly one of the better Welsh no 10's ...