Rodrigo Marta dives over the line to seal a famous win for Portugal over Fiji. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Rugby World Cup 2023: tries of the tournament, from Arendse to Marta

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We pick the six best tries of an enthralling World Cup, taking in All Black romps, a historic Portugal success and more

1 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 50th minute, South Africa v Scotland (Marseille)

The try was Arendse’s but the no-look kick assist from Manie Libbok was out of this world. Think it is easy to strike a ball accurately while deliberately looking the other way? Try it.

Manie Libbok's no look kick which set up Kurt-Lee Arendse's try for South Africa against Scotland. — Manie Libbok's stupendous piece of skill against Scotland. Photograph: Rugby World Cup/YouTube

2. Mateo Carreras, 28th minute, Argentina v Japan (Nantes)

When they opt to play, the Pumas can be irresistible. A crafty angled run from the scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou and a turbo-charged finish from Carreras, Newcastle Falcons’ flying wing, rounded off this absolute beauty.

Mateo Carreras (right) brushes off the challenge of Japan’s Lomano Lemeki before going over for Argentina’s second try. Photograph: Mohammed Badra/EPA

3. Amato Fakatawa, 16th minute, Japan v Argentina (Nantes)

When Michael Leitch shipped the ball to the 118kg Fakatawa 60 metres from the Pumas try-line there seemed no massive danger. Until the big lock forward chipped the defence at full gallop, regathered and scored. Fab-ul-ous.

Amato Fakatawa of Japan scores their first try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Pool match between Japan and Argentina. — Amato Fakatawa touches down after collecting his chipped ball for Japan’s first try against Argentina. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

4. Will Jordan, 53rd minute, New Zealand v Ireland (Paris)

One of the great modern game-shaping tries. Richie Mo’unga was 15 metres inside his own half when he received the ball from a short lineout, pierced the gainline and put Jordan away to score. Sheer class.

New Zealand’s right-wing Will Jordan celebrates after crossing the line to score a wonderful try against Ireland. — New Zealand’s right-wing Will Jordan ignores the last ditch tackle of Ireland’s full-back Hugo Keenan before diving over the line to score a wonderful try against Ireland. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

5. Will Jordan, 33rd minute, New Zealand v Uruguay (Lyon)

Jordan is a major talent but, again, it was a teammate who was the creative architect. Step forward Damian McKenzie, smoothly regathering his own kick and brilliantly flicking the ball infield to set his wing free.

New Zealand’s Damian McKenzie flips the ball towards teammate Will Jordan who romped over for the All Blacks’ third try against Uruguay. — Damian McKenzie flips the ball towards teammate Will Jordan who romped over for the All Blacks’ third try. Photograph: Paul Childs/Reuters

6. Rodrigo Marta, 78th minute, Portugal v Fiji (Nantes)

Bundee Aki’s finish against New Zealand was outstanding but Portugal’s fizzing backs deserve recognition on this list. Their late winning try, with Raffaele Storti escaping down the right before putting Marta over, sealed a first World Cup win for Os Lobos.

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