Turbo Teddy takes try of the year prize
The Rugby Paper|January 03, 2021
SO 2020 is finally in the rear-view mirror and it’s all eyes on 2021 and what that can bring but, strangely, I am convinced rugby’s annus horribilis still contained much action that we will recall fondly in roaring pubs and clubhouses in years to come.
BRENDAN GALLAGHER
Turbo Teddy takes try of the year prize

Perhaps our isolation and introspection heightened our appreciation of the precious action that was salvaged from the wreckage, but a number of tries in particular will remain seared in my memory. In that respect 2020 was a rare if quirky vintage.

Heading that list was that timeless beauty from Teddy Thomas for Racing at Quins a few weeks back; a mesmerising, gliding, swerving effort that made high-quality Quins players look like outclassed schoolboys. He was playing a different game, breathing different oxygen.

As with all sporting perfection the moment looked pre-ordained and in slow motion. Thomas has a whiff of Obolensky or Duckham about the way he dismisses the opposition and like that illustrious duo he is underutilised by his national side and arouses a certain amount of suspicion. It all looks too easy and mercurial. Where’s the effort and the grunt?

To date Thomas has won only 22 caps with a party boy reputation not helping, but at the age of 27 he might just be entering his pomp. France now boast a back division to feed his talent and you fancy that if Les Bleus are to triumph at RWC2023 they will need some of his X-factor.

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