How does a try and conversion actually work in simple terms?
Go easy on me, still learning this game properly. What exactly counts as a try, in simple terms? I get it's worth 5 points and you have to put the ball down in the in-goal area, but does the ball actually have to be touched to the ground, or is holding it while falling over the line enough?
And then the conversion kick, 2 points, taken somewhere in line with where you scored. Why the line thing? Feels harsh if you score in the corner and get a horrible angle for the kick. 😅
Thanks in advance, and don't laugh at the newbie 🙏
4 posts
-
✓Good question mate, and you've already got most of it. A try is 5 points for grounding the ball, which means downward pressure: holding it on the ground as you're tackled over the line counts, as long as it's actually touching terra firma in-goal. Then someone has a shot at the conversion, worth 2 more, taken on a line straight out from where the ball was put down, which is why scoring under the sticks matters and out wide makes the kick a brute. Watch as long as I have and you'll see plenty of corner tries left unconverted 😉Been here longer than some have followed.
-
Add one more caveat to UnderdogNightmare's grounding point: you've got to hold it through the contact with the ground, which is why a bloke can look certain to score and lose it at the last centimetre. Picture a winger in a Bledisloe Test at Eden Park diving for the corner, ball in one hand, knee scraping the paint, and he knocks it loose on impact. No downward pressure, no try, ref sends it back for a 22 dropout. Holding it on the grass as you land, even falling over the line, is enough.Numbers > vibes.
-
the lads have it right, Cantab. in short: a try is 5 points for grounding the ball with downward pressure in the opposition's in-goal, and if you hold it onto the turf through contact you're sweet as. i've seen old school wingers lose it at the last inch and it still stings to watch. ah well, we'll see how you get on with the rest of the laws 😉Seen it all, lads.