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I Have No Idea Why This Rugby Sequence Is Exciting, But It Is

I know absolutely zero about the basic rules of rugby, to say nothing of the nuances of the game. But I do know an exciting sports play when I see one.

The above clip is the deciding sequence of Australia and New Zealand’s rugby match in Hong Kong yesterday. New Zealand, riding a 10 match winning streak over Australia, were seconds away from winning their 16th match overall. (The world record is 18, held by…Lithuania.)

But then James O’Connor (who the New Zealand press refers to as “precocious.” I’m guessing this is their version of “poised.”) scored a match-scoring try – meaning he scored a rugby touchdown – and the game-winning conversion in the waning moments. Very cool.

Another reason that this clip is worth noting: both teams have great nicknames. The Australian side is known as the Wallabies, while New Zealand call themselves the All Blacks. Can we work on getting USA Soccer a cool nickname?

[Aussie press acclaim O'Connor as Wallaby hero] Bangkok Post