Seven of the best 50:22s seen since the law’s introduction

Dylan Coetzee
Antoine Dupont kicks for a 50:22 for Toulouse.

When the 50:22 law was introduced, it very quickly fit perfectly into the game by rewarding clever tactical kicking, the ability to take note of space in behind and keep back three defenders honest with their positional play.

Planet Rugby has put together seven of the best 50:22s around, which has often resulted in tries.

Ulster’s Michael Lowry practically defined the law with this effort, making the most of Johannesburg’s high altitude to roll the ball into touch off the corner flag. It really could not get better than that as the Irishman gave his side a five-metre lineout to attack from.

This clip shows the complete package. Cardiff go from just outside their 22-metre line to scoring a try courtesy of a long-range 50:22. The potential territorial gain the law offers is so attractive for teams looking to transition to a viable attacking position.

How has he done that with such a narrow angle? Los Pumas star Santiago Carreras kicks Premiership side Gloucester into prime position from right up against the touchline with a pinpoint 50:22 from behind his 40-metre line. Just beautiful.

As conventional as snow in the Sahara, but they all count the same. This lad takes one of rugby’s cardinal rules, ‘do not let the ball bounce’, very seriously by volleying a clearance kick to complete one of the most chaotic 50:22s.

Antoine Dupont is simply brilliant, kicking a 50:22 deep into the opposition half for Toulouse in the Top 14. The French scrum-half’s vision and spatial awareness allows him to exploit the opposition. What an asset players that see the space and kick into it as well as Dupont can are for their teams.

George Ford, you beauty. Practically from his try line, the veteran absolutely rips this kick after securing a vital mark in doing so, totally flipping defence into attack. What a play!

Stormers fly-half Manie Libbok takes it to the next level against the Lions last season, once again making the most of how far the ball travels at altitude to give his side a five-metre lineout. That is a rocket.

READ MORE: Is the goal-line drop out one of rugby’s best law innovations?

Cardiff Rugby