ENGLAND skipper Courtney Lawes scored the “worst try in history” – to leave fans in stitches and Japan in tatters.
Lawes danced through to touch down during the tense Rugby World Cup group game – after it bounced forward off the HEAD of team-mate Joe Marler.
ITVJoe Marler knew little about his headed ‘assist’[/caption]
ITVCourtney Lawes was left in the clear to cross for a try[/caption]
One viewer called it “the most England try ever”.
And another – with a ‘head’ for stats – joked: “Joint most try assists for England at the RWC – @JoeMarler’s Mohawk”.
It was certainly Marler more than Lawes who appeared to be auditioning for a Red Nose rather than playing for the Red Rose.
That’s because the former knew little about his lucky intervention – whereas the latter showed quick thinking to continue playing rather than assume a knock-on.
Video replays then backed the referee’s decision to award the try.
Although one fan labelled it the “worst try ever” it mainly brought astonishment and amusement from viewers.
But one wrote: “England very lucky with their second try. Looked for sure like a knock on in real time. I didn’t know knocking it forward with your head was allowed!”
Lucky or otherwise, the score transformed the contest.
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Japan had just cut the deficit to 13-12 and England were looking nervy in a scrappy contest.
But Lawes’ try was soon followed by Freddie Steward scoring from a George Ford kick and a bonus point was earned by Joe Marchant crossing at the death.
Lewis Ludlum had bagged the first Red Rose try – of the game and the tournament – early on.