Japan 2019.

The Rugby World Cup is never short of moments of individual brilliance, and the 2019 edition in Japan didn’t disappoint. Of course, most of the interest was in the final, but there were lots of superb displays throughout the tournament that deserved acclaim. This article is a compilation of some of the most artistic tries that the 2019 Rugby World Cup had to offer.

#1. Marika Koroibete vs Georgia
Marika Koroibete’s try against Georgia in the group was hands down one of the best solo tries in the tournament. The 27-year Australian latched on a loose ball in the midst of his team’s attack and weaved his way through four Georgian defenders in the crowded left flank before cutting back inside, beating two more defenders on his way to the Wallabies’ second try of the game. Australia went on to win the game 27-8, thanks to late tries from Will Genia and Jack Dempsey.

#2. Cobus Reinach vs. Canada
In an extremely one-sided match riddled with breathtaking team displays, South Africa’s Cobus Reinach still managed to steal the headlines with a brilliant solo run in the first quarter of the game. The Canadian defence was picked apart by the Northampton Saints’ scrum-half, who picked up the ball in the middle of the park and decided to take matters into his own hands. The 29-year-old’s quick thinking got him out of a crowd of six Canadian players in a split second, and, in no time, he was one-on-one with the last Canucks’ defender. Safe to say he had the best idea in mind, as he kicked the ball over to himself and gave the trailing defender the slip before making for the in-goal area.

Despite not having any support in sight, Reinach still managed to slow down the approaching Canadian players and beat his man with the utmost ease. It was by far one of the best combinations of creativity and determination displayed in the tournament, and young prospects can definitely learn a thing or two from that well-executed moment of magic. Online guides such as Lottoland’s try guide 2019 can also help if you are a newbie.

#3. Api Ratuniyarawa vs Georgia
Fiji had a World Cup to forget, but their game against Georgia was a clear reminder that they are still a force to reckon with. It was the Flying Fijians show from the start, and Georgia were no match in any department whatsoever.

The highlight of the game for many people came in the dying seconds of the 69th minute when Leone Nakarawa’s offload over the top of a sea of Georgian players fell into the hands of a well-marked Semi Radradra. That didn’t stop the 27-year-old Bordeaux winger from placing the ball in the path of Frank Lomani. With acres of space in front of him, there was clearly only one thing in the mind of the agile youngster: to take off straight down the left flank and try to get his teammates to catch up. It worked! His mazy run around a helpless Beka Gorgadze was capped by a well-timed over-the-top pass to Api Ratuniyawara who made no mistake finishing off a brilliant team move to extend Fiji’s lead to 35-10. The game ended 45-10.

#4. George Bridge vs. South Africa
New Zealand came into the 2019 Rugby World Cup as heavy favourites to lift the trophy, and their 23-13 group stage defeat of eventual winners, South Africa, was a clear display of their attacking strength. The game didn’t fail to produce its own magic moments, but it wasn’t all fluid for the All Blacks as it typically is against weaker opponents. In fact, they struggled to get the better of South Africa’s disciplined defence, and their desperate attempts to force the ball wide were well anticipated and neutralized. Then a chance presented itself with the game tied at 3-3, and New Zealand made the most of it. For once, South Africa’s defence was unstructured and all over the place. Richie Mo’unga sent a crosskick to Sevu Reece down the right flank, who pulled off a dummy to free himself from the approaching Makazole Mapimpi. Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Beauden all executed great movement to deny the South African defence a chance to reorganize themselves, and George Bridge availed himself right on time to rescue an ambushed Barrett and make the try.