Autumn Nations Series: Seven of the best tries so far including that Lalakai Foketi effort

Dylan Coetzee
Autumn Nations Series: Italy's Ange Capuozzo flys through air to score aganst the Wallabies.

November 12, 2022, Florence, Italy: Italy's Ange Capuozzo scores during Autumn Nations Series test match, Italy vs Australia at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, 12 November 2022.ANSA/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI (Credit Image: © ANSA via ZUMA Press)

The 2022 Autumn Nations Series has been a spectacle of rugby filled with dramatic games and brilliant tries from the world’s best players.

Planet Rugby picks out seven of the best tries so far, loaded with individual skill, offloading and powerful running.

Lalakai Foketi – Australia v France

It is no wonder this worldie has been nominated for try of the year. It starts with some impressive scrambling at the back by the Wallabies before they swing it out to wing Tom Wright who stretches his legs down the left flank, skinning the cover defence, before playing it inside to Jock Campbell, who quickly plays it to Foketi who is charging onto the ball at pace. A bit of strength from the centre at the end, and he is over. Outstanding try from deep!

Aaron Smith – New Zealand v Wales

A vintage solo try from the All Black veteran. Smith gathers the ball from the ruck and spots a miss-match, which he exploits with his sharp turn of pace, easily cutting through the defensive line. The scrum-half then finds himself in a boatload of space with one to beat, who he leaves for dead and does so with ease, cutting back inside to score a magnificent try!

Ange Capuozzo – Italy v Australia

This one will go under the full-back’s name, but it is well and truly a stunning team try. Starting from just inside the Wallabies’ half, the Italians run accurate dummy lines and play the ball out the back and into the outside channel, where it is a simple case of draw and pass. However, the players’ straight running is key to unlocking the space. Capuozzo ends up in possession with a two-on-one and throws a cheeky dummy whilst cutting inside to score a gorgeous try. Outstanding from the Azzurri!

Ange Capuozzo – Italy v Australia

The exciting star is in again as he crossed for another well-worked Italian try, but this time it is the score that proved decisive in Italy’s first win over the Wallabies. Once again, the Azzurri run beautiful lines to fix the bulk of the defenders and then play the ball out the back to the speedster coming around the corner until Capuozzo gets the ball and spots a gap to exploit. A complex attacking play made to look very simple because of the quality of all the players involved running accurate and committed lines.

Darcy Graham – Scotland v New Zealand

The elusive wing shows incredible vision and bravery to float into the passing line of the All Blacks, who end up throwing it straight to the Edinburgh man. Graham obliges by showing off his turn of pace before rounding the covering Jordie Barrett with absolute ease. A try against the run of play and one that kept Scotland in with a shout. Another try made to look easy by a quality player.

Kalaveti Ravouvou – Fiji v Ireland

A try that has Vern Cotter written all over it. The Fijians make use of an out-the-back ball with a series of clever runners fixing the defenders in the middle of the park, opening a bit of space on the outside for the powerful and pacey outside back to exploit, followed by a few well-timed passes. Simple yet stunning!

Marcus Smith – England v Japan

Much like most good things with England at the moment, the move is started by Freddie Steward, who busts through the defensive line in broken play and offloads to Jack van Poortvliet who is running a strong support line. The scrum-half ships it to Joe Cokansinga, who looked as if he might go all the way but throws an audacious offload off the floor to Smith, who finishes the job in the corner. Brilliant awareness, and outstanding continuity in a fantastic try.

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Australia