Many year-end review lists and awards include the best player, best team and best tries. Typically those are reserved for the top performers amongst Tier 1 nations. Thankfully, someone has also taken the time to compile a video made up exclusively of Tier 2 nations and their best scores.
Although the temptation will be to write them off as having been scored against lower competition, skill and flair abound with these top 10 tries from 2018. Not to mention that many were scored against Tier 1 nations.
Japan’s form looks more than ready for the 2019 World Cup. They’ve made the list more than once for outstanding tries against top competition, including Italy and the All Blacks.
Joe Taufete’e of team USA also had a memorable 2018, scoring his most impressive try against Scotland to notch a Tier 1 victory for the Eagles. He’ll certainly be one to keep an eye on in 2019 as he’s scored nine tries in 14 appearances, a stat made all the more incredible seeing as he’s a hooker.
Uganda, Russia and Kenya all scored great tries in eventful years for them, and Fiji picked up one of their biggest upset wins ever when they beat France in Paris.
With many household names and superstars in their squad, they’re currently up to 8th in the World Rankings so perhaps not considered second tier anymore, but when it comes to country size and funding, they’re always up against the odds so deserve to be included here.
Here’s to a fantastic 2019 for all tiers of rugby!
Credit: Ruddy Darter
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