The Six Nations Championship has seen some of rugby’s greatest and most impressive tries in the history of the game. From the first Six Nations to the most recent, this annual tournament has produced stunning hat tricks and match-winning tries.
But which Six Nations tries would make your ultimate best-of list?
Our rugby gurus have analysed sensational tries from more than two decades of competition. From uncatchable players who have sprinted over the line to no-look passes and awe-inspiring offloads, here are the best Six Nations tries of all time.
Brian O’Driscoll (France 25-27 Ireland, 2000)
Brian O’Driscoll scored his first Six Nations hat trick in 2000. He pulled off this iconic performance at the Stade de France, where he showcased his phenomenal speed and impeccable timing. All three tries were notable, but the third was the most impressive.
With seven minutes on the clock, O’Driscoll scooped up the ball at speed, dashed through France’s defence and crossed the line. The try itself was sensational, but it is remembered even more fondly because it secured the win for Ireland.
To date, this game is remembered as one of O’Driscoll’s greatest ever performances.
Shane Williams (Wales 31-24 Scotland, 2010)
Shane Williams sealed Wales’ win against Scotland in 2010. Although Scotland were leading 24-14, two of their players were sent to the sin bin. With 10 minutes remaining, Wales seized their opportunity and scored 17 points without reply.
A try from Leigh Halfpenny and a penalty from Stephen Jones kicked off their momentum. Next, Williams delivered one of Wales’ best Six Nations tries. After attempts from Halfpenny and Bradley Davies fell five metres short, Williams caught the ball, darted through the posts and roared in celebration.
This dramatic result was disappointing for the Scots, who had outplayed their opponents during the first half.
Stuart Hogg (Scotland 34-10 Italy, 2013)
When it comes to individual tries, there are few that are more impressive than Stuart Hogg’s effort at the 2013 Six Nations.
The match got off to a slow start, with Scotland leading 13-3 at half time. In contrast, the second half was a showstopper. It began with a 42nd-minute try from Matt Scott. Five minutes later, Hogg created Scotland’s try of the tournament.
What started out as an attack by Italy ended in Scotland’s favour. Luciano Orquera sped towards the try line and just as it looked like Italy would cross the line, Hogg intercepted a pass. His imperceptible catch gave him the edge and he ran the length of the pitch.
Sergio Parisse (Italy 23-18 France, 2013)
Italy’s opening match at the 2013 Six Nations delivered a shock result. It was all thanks to Italian rugby legend Sergio Parisse, whose fourth-minute try left France reeling.
The action started as Italy took control of the ball deep inside their own half. From here they were able to launch a successful counterattack. Parisse took possession after several phases of play. From here, he skillfully dodged France’s defence and soared over the line.
Danny Care (England 13-10 Ireland, 2014)
Back in 2014, Danny Care scored one of the most iconic tries in Six Nations history. It all started from a ruck that England were clearing out from deep inside their own half. From here, Mike Brown ran a fantastic inside line and managed to beat several men.
But, he soon ran into trouble and needed to look for help. Who did he see? Only Danny Care, who had been clearing the ruck only seven seconds earlier. Brown executed a perfectly-weighted pass just as he was tackled and Care went over between the posts.
Sam Johnson (England 38-38 Scotland, 2019)
Sam Johnson was perhaps Scotland’s most beloved rugby player in 2019. After scoring a try against Ireland in round two, Johnson delivered the try that briefly put Scotland ahead in this record-setting match.
With just four minutes remaining, Finn Russell made a stealthy no-look pass and Johnson tore down the field. He skillfully slipped through England’s defence, making it over the line with four English players on his heels.
Jonny May (England 41-18 Italy, 2021)
In 2021, Jonny May orchestrated one of the best Six Nations tries ever scored by an England player.
It was during England’s round-two match against Italy, just as the half-time whistle was about to blow. England were already seven points in front but May was determined to increase their lead.
As the clock went red, England were just 10m from the try line. May received the ball out wide and scored England’s third try in style. Avoiding the Italian defence, May leapt into the air to hurdle a tackle, flew over the line and grounded the ball. The Italian players were left stunned, wondering how he hadn’t gone into touch.
Edoardo Padovani (Wales 21-22 Italy, 2022)
Last on our list of the best Six Nations tries is Edoardo Padovani’s effort in 2022.
After a back-and-forth game, Wales led 21-15 in the final minutes of the match. Although Welsh fans thought they had the game wrapped up, Italy had other ideas.
After Wales cleared the ball deep into the Italian half in the 78th minute, Ange Capuozzo took possession and bolted through Wales’ defence, seamlessly avoiding the entire Welsh side. He made a last-minute pass to Padovani, who slotted it over the line. It then all came down to Paolo Garbisi, whose 80th-minute conversion secured a memorable victory for the Azzurri.
Not only was this a stunning try, it was also a landmark moment for the Italian squad. With Padovani’s last-gasp try, the Azzurri ended their 36-match losing streak in the Championship and finished their 2022 campaign in style.
