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Close the polls early - the try of the tournament has already been scored

By Josh Raisey
TJ Perenara scored arguably the try of the tournament so far.

All Black TJ Perenara’s late finish against Namibia is a leading contender for the try of the Rugby World Cup despite the tournament being only half completed, according to fans on Twitter.

Having a rare outing at flyhalf from the bench, Perenara scored in the corner after initially making a break from well within his own half. The finish itself was a sight to behold, but the build-up was equally as special.

After Perenara breached Namibia’s defence from his own 22, he was able to get a perfect spirel pass off to winger George Bridge as the makeshift 10 fell to the floor. The ball was quickly recycled, and replacement scrumhalf Brad Weber sniped down the blindside before audaciously passing the ball behind his back for Perenara to run to the corner.

In real time it looked as though the Hurricanes halfback has definitely been bundled into touch, but when slowed down for further adjudication, it was clear he miraculously kept his feet in the field of play.

Fans on Twitter have rightly predicted this to be named the try of the tournament, with some going as far to say that it is the try of the year and even the best try ever at a RWC.

This has been the reaction:

Steve Hansen’s decision to play Perenara as a flyhalf from the bench clearly paid off, as both of his halfbacks linked up for the try. The finish even evoked a fist pump from the steely coach, which must be a sign that it was good.

Backs coach Ian Foster said after the game that they probably should have expected something quite special:

"It's our fault as coaches. Play two No.9s and mayhem was always going to happen."

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