Chaotic try in classic footage shows just how unpredictable a rugby ball can be

For anyone that’s recently watched classic rugby matches from the mid/late 1900’s will tell you, the game has changed. Nowadays players are much larger, much faster and there’s a much bigger emphasis on structured and tactical play. One standard that hasn’t changed however, is the rugby ball’s ability to throw that all into chaos.

During a Five Nations match in 1970, Jean-Marie Bonal scored a rather unbelieve try against Wales. This try hit the headlines at the time, not for the impressive rugby skill, but rather that incredulous footballing skills on display.

Playing like a modern day Kylian Mbappé , the French rugby stars of the time used a clever chip and chase to open up the Welsh defence. With the ball bobbling everywhere but into a Welsh hand, the French attack were able to use their nifty footwork to kick the ball on a further five times before Bonal notched over the try.

.@Nigelrefowens: This is not soccer. @FranceRugby: But if it was… #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/STTYzrYtHs

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 6, 2023

The response to the clip was that of fond memories:

@iaindbrown – “Rugby was so much better when it was like this.”

@Mike_Crawley – “ah, the goode olde days when wingers threw in at a line out and you had to get yourself in the air to try to catch the ball”

@Breizh_Flyers – “That potatoes field….“