WATCH: Justin Tipuric’s OUTRAGEOUS try against Montpellier leaves viewers stunned

Jared Wright
Ospreys captain Justin Tipuric was on top of his game against Montpellier, scoring a stunning try to help his side to another victory over the French side.

Justin Tipuric kicks and later regathers the ball to score a stunning try against Montpellier in the Champions Cup

Ospreys captain Justin Tipuric was on top of his game against Montpellier, scoring a stunning try to help his side to another victory over the French side.

The two sides entertained on Saturday evening, producing a nine-try thriller with Ospreys’ kicker Cai Evans proving to be the difference as he nailed six of his seven attempts at goal.

Tipuric’s stunner

Ospreys scored one try in the first half to Montpellier’s two but still led 13-10 at halftime. 

Throughout the match, the clubs exchanged the lead, and after Thomas Darmon’s try, converted by Anthony Bouthier, put Montpellier ahead 23-24 after 54 minutes in the Champions Cup clash.

However, it was Ospreys‘ turn to the strike, and they did so in sublime fashion, with Justin Tipuric showing off his outrageous skills and pace.

Elliot Stooke’s knock-on gifted possession back to Ospreys in their half, and they were quick to pounce as the ball was shifted out to Tipuric.

The Wales and Lions flanker chipped the ball into space for speedster Keelan Giles who did magnificently well to regather the ball and stay in touch. He evaded the cover tackle from Julien Tisseron and put in a delightful grubber for a sprinting Tipuric. He brilliantly regathered the ball and rolled over the try line. 

Reaction

Ospreys boss Toby Booth commented on the try after the match and said: “I have not seen much like that.” 

He compared his captain to former France flanker Olivier Magne, who won four Grand Slams.

“He reminds me so much of Olivier Magne, who I had the pleasure of coaching at London Irish and was a freak of a player.” 

“Not just as an athlete but also as a rugby player. He could probably have played six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 12 or 13 or 15, and Justin is exactly the same. We have the man in the blue hat who can play anywhere.

“His skill set is ridiculous; he sets the bar for the team and is leading exceptionally well.”

His efforts were also praised on Twitter with Andrew Forde, tweeting: ‘Justin Tipuric’s kicking skills are elite for a flanker.’

Rugby Paper journalist Peter Jackson hailed Tipuric as the best flanker in Europe.

“Justin Tipuric showing why there is no back row forward in Europe to touch him. There is nothing he can’t do. How good to see @ospreys raise the Welsh flag in Europe’s premier tournament after so long in exile,” Jackson tweeted. 

Former Ireland international Bernard Jackman echoed Jackson’s thoughts, tweeting: “Justin Tipuric is still one of the best in the game” 

Jamie Phillips tweeted: “We’ve got some amazing Welsh 7’s. Incredible depth but Justin Tipuric can do things that other 7’s can’t do and that’s what makes him stand out from the rest. He’s one of the most talented players the game has seen and I don’t think that’s a hot take either.”

Stuart McAvoy added: “Justin Tipuric that is outrageous! Incredible skill from @ospreys back row.”

Tipuric’s performance

The 33-year-old earned the player of the match award for his efforts throughout the game, which was thoroughly deserved.

He finished the match with 16 tackles, only bettered by Jac Morgan (17) and Alex Becognee (20), and gained more metres than any other Ospreys forward (17).

He also won two of the Ospreys’ lineouts.

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