The speed of Andy Ripley was tremendous he was quicker than most backs . As an Englishman of a certain age I remember watching these games as a boy and England would lose a lot however I watch a lot of these old clips and what stands out is how good many of the players were from all the 5 nations, people think it was just the Welsh but all the teams had players that could light up a game with speed and skill, it wasn't just the Irvine's or Edwards or a Duckham or Gibson there were guys who are long forgotten who could really play. The thing I liked about Rugby then as opposed to a lot of rugby now is that the game rewarded evasion rather than seeking physical dominance as so much of today's game seems to do.
Remember this so well. This kick cemented Andy's legendary status in Scotland. I was a twelve year old by jumping up and down on the sofa when it went over.
Well remember watching it with my dad. England had a great pack of forwards in that era and some good 3/4 but the halfbacks usually let them down until they eventually settled on Steve Smith at scrum-half. Alan Old who played in this one at flyhalf was probably the best of a bad lot for a few years; he was pretty reliable but no great attacking flair. Remember the England team’s season like it was yesterday. England were beaten by Mike Gibson’s genius in the next game at Twickenham, then surprisingly drew in Paris and then beat Wales. Thanks for posting
I remember watching this game on TV with my Dad and brothers. It was just a couple of weeks before my 10th birthday. I remember Andy Irvine's last kick like it was yesterday. How we cheered. That was a great day. I cannot recall it my grandpa came for dinner that night if Sunday lunch but all the talk was of the game and Irvine's contribution in particular. He was up there with the best and considering how good the Welsh were in that era with the likes of Edwards, Bennett, JPR etc. that is saying something. Anyway, more people should see this. Great memories and takes me back to a happy day in my childhood! Thanks! Slàinte
