Some memorable last-minute winning tries in rugby include:
1. 1995 Rugby World Cup Final – South Africa vs. New Zealand
In the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, South Africa faced off against New Zealand in a highly anticipated match. With the scores tied at 9-9 and the game entering extra time, South Africa’s winger Joel Stransky scored a drop goal to secure a historic 15-12 victory for his team. This last-minute winning try not only clinched the World Cup for South Africa but also united a nation healing from apartheid.
2. 2013 Lions Tour – Australia vs. British and Irish Lions
In the final Test match of the 2013 Lions Tour, Australia and the British and Irish Lions were deadlocked at 15-15 with just minutes remaining. With the series hanging in the balance, Lions’ winger George North intercepted a pass from Will Genia and sprinted over the try line to score a thrilling last-minute try. This dramatic victory sealed the series for the Lions and remains etched in rugby folklore.
3. 2015 Rugby World Cup – Japan vs. South Africa
One of the biggest upsets in rugby history occurred during the 2015 Rugby World Cup when Japan faced off against South Africa. With the scores tied at 32-32 and the final whistle looming, Japan launched a daring attack that culminated in Karne Hesketh scoring a last-minute try in the corner. This historic win against the two-time World Cup champions sent shockwaves through the rugby world and epitomized the spirit of underdog triumph.
4. 2018 Six Nations – France vs. England
In a thrilling encounter during the 2018 Six Nations, France and England were neck and neck as the game entered its final moments. With the scores tied at 22-22 and the clock ticking down, French winger Gael Fickou produced a moment of magic, dancing past English defenders to score a dramatic last-minute try. This stunning victory not only secured the win for France but also showcased the unpredictable nature of rugby.
5. 2003 Rugby World Cup Final – England vs. Australia
In a nail-biting final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, England faced off against Australia in a match that would go down in history. With the scores tied at 17-17 and the game heading into extra time, England’s Jonny Wilkinson kicked a drop goal to clinch a dramatic 20-17 victory for his team. This last-minute winning try secured England’s first-ever World Cup title and established Wilkinson as a national hero.
6. 2017 Lions Tour – New Zealand vs. British and Irish Lions
During the 2017 Lions Tour, New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy. In the second Test match, with the series tied at 1-1, Lions’ scrum-half Conor Murray sniped around the ruck to score a crucial last-minute try. Despite the match ending in a draw, this late score kept the series alive and set the stage for a thrilling decider in the final Test.
7. 2016 Super Rugby Final – Hurricanes vs. Lions
In the 2016 Super Rugby Final, the Hurricanes faced off against the Lions in a high-stakes encounter. With the scores tied at 20-20 and the game approaching its conclusion, Hurricanes’ winger Beauden Barrett broke through the Lions’ defense to score a stunning last-minute try. This dramatic victory secured the Hurricanes their first-ever Super Rugby title and solidified Barrett’s reputation as a game-changer.
8. 2010 Tri Nations – South Africa vs. New Zealand
During the 2010 Tri Nations series, South Africa and New Zealand clashed in a thrilling encounter that came down to the wire. With the scores level at 22-22 and the final seconds ticking away, Springboks’ winger Gio Aplon collected a cross-field kick to score a sensational last-minute try. This dramatic victory over the All Blacks showcased South Africa’s never-say-die attitude and added another chapter to their storied rivalry.
9. 2000 Bledisloe Cup – Australia vs. New Zealand
In a memorable Bledisloe Cup clash in 2000, Australia and New Zealand were deadlocked at 24-24 in the dying moments of the match. With the game on a knife-edge, Wallabies’ fullback Joe Roff intercepted a pass and raced 90 meters to score a dramatic last-minute try. This thrilling victory not only secured the Bledisloe Cup for Australia but also showcased Roff’s speed and finishing ability under pressure.
10. 2019 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final – England vs. New Zealand
During the semi-final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, England faced off against defending champions New Zealand in a highly anticipated match. With the scores tied at 13-13 and the game hanging in the balance, England’s winger Jonny May scored a spectacular try in the corner to give his team a crucial lead. This last-minute winning try helped propel England to a stunning 19-7 victory over the All Blacks and secured their spot in the World Cup final.