Rugby fans are only just realising why scoring two tries in a rugby match is called a ‘brace’
Rugby NewsSaturday, 24 June 2023 at 07:27
HARLEQUINS winger Cadan Murley is no stranger to netting a brace - he has done it numerous times this season.
The term is used when one player scores two tries in a match.
It may have been used by commentators, pundits and writers for years, but fans are only just realising why it's called a brace.
It's not quite a hat-trick, but its history is just as fascinating.
Picking up our rugby dictionary, the word is thought to date back to the Anglo-French language.
Back then, it meant a "pair of arms".
And in the Old English language, a "brace" was used in hunting terminology to mean a duo of something had been killed or shot.
To the modern day, rugby has taken this term to essentially mean a pair of goals.
Antoine Dupont has been voted the best rugby union player in the world
20. Marcus Smith (England)
Alongside Steward, who features later in the list, mercurial playmaker Marcus Smith looms as one of England’s brightest young talents.
Marcus Smith of England during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
19. Romain Ntamack (France)
Ntamack, half of the highly regarded French halves pairing, is quickly establishing himself as one of rugby's most talented young players.
At just 22 years of age, Ntamack has become a crucial figure in France's resurgence on the international stage, impressing in a number of matches as the team's starting fly-half.
Romain Ntamack of France gestures a thumbs-up in the direction of the travelling France supporters at full-time following the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
18. Maro Itoje (England)
17. Charles Ollivon (France)
16. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
Widely regarded as one of the world's top front row forwards, the highly respected Irish and Leinster prop exemplifies the modern-day tighthead prop with his versatile skill set.
In addition to his outstanding scrummaging abilities and explosive ball-carrying power, often bulldozing through multiple opposition players, he also possesses an impressive range of complementary skills that go beyond the norm for a typical prop.
15. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
14. Ange Capuozzo (Italy)
Although he only made his international debut for Italy last year, the 23-year-old Italian speedster is quickly becoming one of the most thrilling fullbacks on the world stage.
He announced his arrival with two sensational tries in his first outing for the Azzurri against Scotland and has since established himself as a vital player in Italy's exciting attacking lineup, hinting at the start of a promising Italian renaissance.
Ange Capuozzo of Italy during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
13. Damien Penaud (France)
12. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Russell's performance seems to improve as he ages.
He has always been a great player for Scotland, but his outstanding performance in the third test of the Lions series was one of the most impressive displays of his career, given the match's significance.
Russell possesses as much X-factor as any other flyhalf worldwide, but more importantly, he has refined his skills to the point where he isn't attempting a miraculous play at every opportunity, although he still knows when to go all out to snatch a game away from the opposition.
11. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
10. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Having been recently awarded the title of South African Rugby Player of the Year 2022, Eben Etzebeth is going from strength to strength. As a veteran lock, he is an incredibly influential member of the Springbok team, often one of the most physical and actively involved players on the pitch.
Standing tall at an impressive 6 foot 8, Etzebeth's imposing stature gives the Springboks a dominating edge at lineouts. His colossal physicality is also a force to be reckoned with as he frequently bulldozes through the opposition's defensive line, leaving several players in his wake.
Eben Etzebeth of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
9. Gregory Alldritt (France)
With his exceptional skill in the breakdown, constantly winning turnovers for his team, combined with his strong carrying, offloading, and game-reading abilities, Alldritt undoubtedly ranks among the top number eights in the world.
In addition, his well-rounded game, leadership, and world-class credentials played a crucial role in securing Top 14 side La Rochelle's European Rugby Challenge Cup victory.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
7. Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina)
The playmaker left an indelible mark in the Summer Rugby Championship, showcasing his exceptional kicking accuracy to lead Argentina to a historic 48-17 victory over Australia. His record-breaking performance continued as he contributed 20 points in Argentina's first-ever win on New Zealand soil, with a score of 25-17.
Boffelli capped off an impressive season as the top points-scorer in international rugby, including a remarkable 25 of Argentina's 30 points in their punishing victory over England at Twickenham. It's no surprise that Edinburgh extended the contract of one of world rugby's most accurate goalkickers for an additional two years!
6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
The Springboks' World Cup-winning captain is an ever-inspirational figure and a hero to many. In 2018, he made history by becoming the first Black captain in the side's 126-year history, and his influential presence has cemented him as one of his country's most important players.
A natural leader on and off the pitch, the dynamic flanker led his team to victory against England in the iconic final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He has since captained the side in their triumph against the British and Irish Lions in 2021. Beyond rugby, he is a Global Advocate for the United Nations and a co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, demonstrating his dedication to making a positive impact both within and outside of the sport.
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
4. Freddie Steward
Although the English team endured a disappointing international campaign in 2022, Leicester Tigers full-back Freddie Steward further solidified his claim to the number 15 shirt with a series of impressive performances.
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Steward excels in catching high balls, bringing a remarkable aerial prowess to the game. In addition, he is one of the team's most reliable attacking threats, frequently breaking through defensive lines and gaining significant ground with his kick chase skills.
Freddie Steward of England is tackled by Ardie Savea of New Zealand during the Autumn International Series match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham, London on 19 November 2022 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)
3. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
After securing the All Blacks Player of the Year award last year, Savea has established himself as a relentless force in attack. His explosive ball-running ability, remarkable power in carries, and efficiency at the breakdown make him a formidable opponent. Additionally, he is hugely dominant in defence, consistently leading the team in successful tackles.
Nonetheless, it is undoubtedly Savea's outrageous signature dummy passes that truly set him apart, with one particularly impressive move during New Zealand's 55-23 win against Wales in the Autumn Internationals even fooling the camera operator.
2. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
Following an exceptional international performance that earned him the coveted Men's Player of the Year 2022 title, the Irish back-row is determined to maintain his stunning form. As one of the world's most exciting ball-carrying number 7s,
Van der Flier's unexpectedly explosive speed and attacking prowess set him apart. In addition, he poses a significant turnover threat for both Leinster and Ireland, further showcasing his impressive skill set.
Josh van der Flier of Ireland during the Summer International match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 24th August 2019. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
1. Antoine Dupont (France)
At the age of just 26, the immensely talented number 9 is rapidly ascending the ranks of the greatest players of all time, leaving no accolade unclaimed.
His remarkable abilities have completely transformed the role of a scrum-half, reshaping the very essence of the game itself. Such is his impact that he graced the coveted cover of the esteemed French edition of GQ magazine in 2022, solidifying his status as a game-changer.
With an unrivaled combination of panache and skill, this extraordinary player commands the attention of mammoth crowds, injecting a newfound vigor into the sport. The resurgent state of rugby in France is undeniably influenced by his captivating performances on the field.
It is players of Dupont's caliber, consistently illuminating the stage with their exceptional talent, who possess the uncanny ability to rekindle the flame of passion and devotion within fans, reigniting their love affair with the game.
Antoine Dupont of France calls for the mark during the Six Nations Championship match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on March 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
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