What Is a Try in Rugby? Scoring Values and Grounding
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TL;DR
The attacker must press the ball to the ground in the opponents’ in-goal area while controlling it. A try is followed by a conversion attempt from a line connected to where the try was grounded.
Grounding requirements
Control and downward pressure matter. A loose ball that is merely touched over the line is not automatically a try, and the referee may use video review where the competition allows it.
Conversion after a try
The scoring team receives a kick at goal. The angle is chosen by the kicker, while the distance from the try location influences the difficulty.
Try versus touchdown
“Try” is rugby terminology; “touchdown” is used in American football. Both are scoring plays, but the ball-control and restart rules are different.
Defensive goal-line play
Defenders can hold up the ball, force it into touch or prevent grounding. A split-second decision at the line often decides whether the referee awards five points or a restart.
Related rugby reading
Compare scrums, rugby versus American football, stoppage time and the world’s popular sports.
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