How many points is a try worth? Let’s go and talk about the basics of rugby union scoring before moving on to the main subject.
The point system is the core component of Rugby Union, which always influences strategies and excites fans globally.
The Try: Rugby’s Crown Jewel
A try in the current Rugby Union is worth five points.
The team that crosses the goal line and grounds the ball wins greatest scoring play.
This wasn’t always the occasion, though.
Reflecting the shifting dynamics of the sport, the value of the try has changed over time.
A Brief History of Try Scoring
Back in the day, a try was worth zilch on the scoreboard.
It simply gave teams the chance to “try” for a goal (hence the name).
World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, has tweaked the points over the years:
- 1871-1890: 1 point
- 1891-1893: 2 points
- 1894-1971: 3 points
- 1971-1992: 4 points
- 1992-present: 5 points
This gradual increase shows how Rugby Union has prioritised exciting, attacking play.
Beyond the Try: Other Ways to Score
While tries are the main event, Rugby Union offers other scoring opportunities:
Conversion
After scoring a try, teams get a shot at 2 extra points.
This kick at goal can be crucial in tight matches.
Penalty Kick
When the opposing team commits a serious violation you can opt for a free penalty kick.
It’s worth 3 points and often a safer option than going for a try.
Drop Goal
A sneaky 3-pointer, the drop goal involves kicking the ball through the posts during open play.
Legends like Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter have won matches with clutch drop goals.
Try Scoring: Rugby Union vs. Rugby League
Rugby Union’s cousin, Rugby League, values tries differently.
In League, a try is worth 4 points, with a 2-point conversion attempt.
This subtle difference impacts game flow and strategy between the two codes.
The Impact of Try Scoring on Modern Rugby
The 5-point try has reshaped how teams approach the game.
It’s made Rugby Union more attack-minded, encouraging risk-taking and creative play.
Coaches are selecting teams and creating game strategies with try-scoring threats in mind.
Try-scoring ability typically matters the most in major competitions like as the Six Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup.
Famous stadiums such as Twickenham Stadium come alive when the home team wins by those vital five points over the opposition.
And there you have it: although a try in Rugby Union is only worth five points, it has an enormous effect on the game.
The Art of Scoring a Try
While we now know a try is worth 5 points, the act of scoring one is an art form in itself.
What Constitutes a Try?
To score a try, an attacking player must:
- Cross the opponent’s goal line
- Touch the ball down in the in-goal area of the field
It sounds simple right? But in the heat of a match, it’s not that easy.
The Touchdown
Unlike American football, simply crossing the line isn’t enough.
The ball must be touched to the ground with downward pressure.
This can be done with the hand, arm, or even the torso – leading to some spectacular diving finishes.
Try Scoring Specialists
Some players have made try-scoring their specialty:
- Wingers often lead try-scoring charts, using their speed to finish off team moves
- Powerful forwards can bulldoze their way over from close range
- Clever scrum-halves might snipe around the fringes of a ruck to score
The Conversion: The Try’s Sidekick
After a try, teams have a chance to add 2 more points with a conversion kick.
The kick is taken in line with where the try was scored, adding a tactical element to where players ground the ball.
Conversion Success Rates
Top kickers in international rugby often maintain conversion rates above 80%.
This makes the ideal try worth 7 points when successfully converted.
Tries in Major Competitions
Try-scoring records are very important, in the sport Rugby.
The player with the most number of tries in the Six Nations Championship with a total of 26 is Ireland‘s Brian O’Driscoll.
South Africa‘s Bryan Habana and the amazing Jonah Lomu of New Zealand are tied for the record with 15 tries total, at the Rugby World Cup.
The Development of Try-Scoring Strategies
As defenses have improved, attacking teams have had to get creative:
- Set-piece moves: Intricate planned moves from scrums or lineouts
- Counter-attacking: Turning defense into attack with quick transitions
- Offloading: Keeping the ball alive in tackles to create opportunities
Beyond the Points: The Cultural Significance of Tries
A try is worth more than five points on the scorecard.
It frequently represents the pinnacle of skill, perseverance, and teamwork.
Rugby’s most memorable pictures are produced when players and fans alike celebrate a try-scoring moment.
Conclusion: The Try as Rugby’s Heartbeat
Even though five points might not seem like much, they actually capture the spirit of rugby union.
The sport’s unique combination of physical strength, tactical dexterity, and collaboration is embodied in the try.
The thrill of crossing that try line is the one thing that remains constant, as the game continues.
Whether it’s played in front of the 80,000 fans at the historic Twickenham or at a small-town club field, rugby’s most exciting and important play is still the try.