Francois Hougaard wins Try of the Year Award
A brilliantly worked team-try finished off by Francois Hougaard in the Springboks’ sensational win over New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, has earned the scrum-half the International Rugby Players’ Association (IRPA) Try of the Year 2014.
This is according to World Rugby.
Hougaard sent the Ellis Park into hysteria when he produced his signature dive under the posts in the 12th minute following a backline move which started deep in the Boks’ half. South Africa edged the All Blacks 27-25.
“I’d like to congratulate Francois Hougaard on winning this award,” says World Rugby chairman, Bernard Lapasset.
“It (the move) started from deep within the Springboks’ own 22; there was wonderful elusive running, lightning passing, rapid recycling, a deft-kick ahead, which was expertly gathered and then a well-timed run from Francois finished it off in style.
“It was a real team effort that demonstrated ambition, enterprise and no little skill against the number one side in the world. In short it was a try that was truly deserving of this accolade.”
IRPA executive director, Rob Nichol, echoed Lapasset’s sentiments: “With so many great international tries during 2014, involving both individual brilliance and collective effort, it is never an easy process to settle on one try.
“However, when it came down to it, Hougaard’s try stood out for the judges due to the high level of skills involved by different players, and, most importantly, the teamwork required to make it happen.”
Hougaard is the third Springbok to win the award after Jaque Fourie in 2009, and Bryan Habana in 2012. – @SabeloBoksburg
