Top 10 Sprint Moments in Rugby World Cup History

Speed thrills—and nowhere is that more true than in the Rugby World Cup. Over the decades, fans have witnessed breathtaking sprints that changed the course of matches, tournaments, and even rugby history. From last-minute breakaways to coast-to-coast solo tries, sprint moments ignite stadiums and live forever in the memory of supporters. These are not just quick runs—they’re iconic bursts of pace that stunned defenses, thrilled viewers, and turned players into legends.

In this post, we count down the Top 10 Sprint Moments in Rugby World Cup history. These include unbelievable chases, match-winning sprints, and unforgettable displays of athletic brilliance. Whether it’s Bryan Habana flying past defenders in 2007, Jonah Lomu bulldozing through England in 1995, or Cheslin Kolbe’s magic in the 2019 final—each moment proves that pace can be just as powerful as power in this brutal sport.

Join us as we relive the Top 10 Sprint Moments that defined Rugby World Cup magic—one electrifying run at a time.

Top 10 Sprint Moments in Rugby you must know :

10. Chris Ashton vs Australia (2011)

Chris Ashton lit up the 2011 World Cup pool stage with a sensational 90-meter try against Australia. Starting from inside England’s 22, Ashton read a turnover, snatched the ball, and sprinted the length of the field with trademark speed and flair. His swan dive at the finish made the moment even more iconic. What made it special wasn’t just the sprint—it was that he outpaced a world-class Australian defense in a crucial match.

This moment showcased Ashton’s ability to back himself and made him one of the tournament’s standout players. Among the Top 10 Sprint Moments, this is one of England’s finest solo efforts on the World Cup stage, combining anticipation, top-end speed, and execution. It gave England vital momentum and reminded the rugby world of how deadly a single burst of speed can be at the highest level.

Try Distance	90 meters
Top Speed	~34 km/h

9. Julian Savea vs France (2015)

Julian Savea’s hat-trick against France in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals included a brutal yet breathtaking sprint that mirrored the dominance of Jonah Lomu. Charging from the wing, Savea bulldozed through three French defenders—including a powerful fend and break—before sprinting untouched to the try line. The run was equal parts power and pace, with Savea reaching top gear in a few strides.

It wasn’t just the distance that impressed, but the momentum shift it created for New Zealand in a high-stakes match. That try became a viral highlight, often replayed alongside Lomu’s famous efforts. It’s one of the Top 10 Sprint Moments because it combined speed, physical dominance, and Rugby World Cup pressure—all in one electrifying play. Savea’s explosive sprint and clinical finish became symbolic of New Zealand’s overwhelming strength that year.

Try Distance	35 meters
Top Speed	~33.8 km/h

8. Shane Williams vs South Africa (2011)

Wales’ Shane Williams, known for his small frame and giant heart, delivered one of the most exhilarating sprint tries against South Africa in the 2011 World Cup. Receiving the ball near the halfway line, Williams used his nimble feet and blistering acceleration to carve through the Springbok defense and score in the corner. His ability to create space and then shift gears in a blink stunned defenders and energized fans. It was a classic underdog moment—David outrunning Goliath.

The try was not only beautifully executed but came in a tightly contested match, raising its significance. Among the Top 10 Sprint Moments, this one stands out for showcasing agility, courage, and speed against one of the most physical sides in world rugby. It reminded fans why Williams is considered one of the best wingers Wales has ever produced.

Try Distance	45 meters
Top Speed	~33.5 km/h

7. Doug Howlett vs Scotland (2007)

Doug Howlett, one of New Zealand’s top try-scorers, etched his name in Rugby World Cup lore with a brilliant sprint against Scotland in 2007. Picking up the ball around midfield, Howlett backed his pace against the opposition, turning on the afterburners to leave defenders behind and score in the corner. His timing, acceleration, and confidence made the run memorable, but it was also the record-equalling try that tied him with Christian Cullen for most tries in All Blacks history at the time.

This wasn’t a flashy sidestep or trick—it was pure, elite-level speed on display. It earns its place in the Top 10 Sprint Moments because it came in a high-stakes pool match and added to Howlett’s legendary status. The try demonstrated the kind of raw sprinting power that has always been part of New Zealand’s backline weaponry.

Try Distance	50 meters
Top Speed	~10.5 sec / 100m

6. Jason Robinson vs Australia (2003 Final)

In one of the most intense Rugby World Cup finals ever, England’s Jason Robinson provided a moment of blistering brilliance with a trademark sprint for a first-half try against Australia. Fed by Jonny Wilkinson, Robinson took the ball at pace and burst through the defense with lightning speed, scoring in the corner. His acceleration left defenders stunned, and the timing of the try helped England settle into the match.

Known as “Billy Whizz,” Robinson had transitioned from rugby league to union and proved that pace is lethal at any level. His try was crucial in England’s eventual victory, setting the tone for a match decided by mere inches and seconds. This makes it one of the Top 10 Sprint Moments—a dazzling display of speed under the most intense pressure imaginable, on the sport’s biggest stage.

Try Distance	30 meters
Top Speed	~32.5 km/h

5. Jonah Lomu vs England (1995 Semifinal)

No list of the Top 10 Sprint Moments is complete without Jonah Lomu’s iconic try against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup semifinal. Though more famous for his raw power, this run was also a showcase of terrifying pace. Lomu received the ball wide, surged through Mike Catt and others like they were paper cutouts, and sprinted clear to score.

At nearly 120 kg, Lomu moved like a sprinter, covering ground in giant, powerful strides that stunned the rugby world. The moment redefined what a winger could be and catapulted Lomu to global stardom. His combination of size, speed, and unstoppable drive made this sprint one of the most memorable in World Cup history. It wasn’t just a try—it was a declaration. Among the Top 10 Sprint Moments, this stands as one of the most feared and replayed pieces of footage ever captured on a rugby field.

Try Distance	45 meters
Top Speed	~34 km/h

4. Takudzwa Ngwenya vs South Africa (2007)

Takudzwa Ngwenya’s incredible try for the USA against South Africa in 2007 remains one of the biggest sprint shocks in Rugby World Cup history. The Zimbabwean-born winger received the ball near the halfway line and did the unthinkable—he burned Bryan Habana, the fastest man in world rugby at the time. Ngwenya not only outsprinted Habana down the sideline but also stepped inside to score a brilliant solo try. It was a rare moment when a minnow challenged a powerhouse through sheer athleticism.

This try proved that talent exists everywhere, and that even the elite can be humbled. Among the Top 10 Sprint Moments, Ngwenya’s run is special because it combined upset energy, unbelievable speed, and the humiliation of a global superstar—all in one glorious sprint. It’s a clip that continues to inspire rugby fans and emerging nations alike.

Try Distance	55 meters
Top Speed	10.5 sec / 100m

3. Ben Smith vs France (2015 Quarterfinal)

Ben Smith’s counterattack against France in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal showed the All Blacks at their clinical best. From deep in their own 22, Smith received a kick and immediately launched into a dazzling sprint up the sideline. He weaved through multiple defenders, cut inside with pace, and broke the French line wide open. His 50-meter burst set up one of New Zealand’s finest team tries of the tournament. Smith’s balance, speed, and decision-making during that run elevated him from reliable fullback to game-breaker.

This play wasn’t just fast—it was smart, fluid, and ruthless. As one of the Top 10 Sprint Moments, it’s notable not for brute force, but for intelligent counterattacking speed that turned defense into attack in seconds. It remains a key example of how sprinting brilliance can serve both individual glory and team excellence.

Try Distance	50 meters
Top Speed	~33 km/h

2. Cheslin Kolbe vs England (2019 Final)

In the dying minutes of the 2019 World Cup final, Cheslin Kolbe sealed South Africa’s victory with one of the most iconic solo sprints in rugby history. Receiving the ball on the right wing, Kolbe stepped inside, jinked past two defenders—including the 6’5″ Owen Farrell—and exploded down the line for a stunning try. His pace, combined with razor-sharp footwork, turned a tight moment into a match-winning memory.

On the biggest stage, under immense pressure, Kolbe delivered. This sprint didn’t just extend the Springboks’ lead—it symbolized their flair, determination, and dominance. Among the Top 10 Sprint Moments, this is one of the most complete: it had context, technique, speed, and historic significance. Kolbe’s try will forever live as the final blow in one of the most complete World Cup final performances ever.

Try Distance	45 meters
Top Speed	~35.5 km/h

1. Bryan Habana vs Argentina (2007 Semifinal)

Bryan Habana’s coast-to-coast sprint against Argentina in the 2007 semifinal remains one of the most unforgettable tries in Rugby World Cup history and a standout among the Top 10 Sprint Moments ever recorded. Intercepting a pass near his own 22, Habana took off like a sprinter on a track, burning through 80 meters of open field. He outpaced everyone—Argentine defenders, teammates, even the camera—for a breathtaking solo try.

It was the try that sealed South Africa’s place in the final and showcased Habana’s unique combination of anticipation and world-class speed. The sheer pace, timing, and pressure of the moment make it deserving of the #1 spot in the Top 10 Sprint Moments. Habana went on to be joint-top try-scorer in World Cup history, but this run—full of athletic perfection and perfect timing—was the crowning jewel. It embodied everything great about sprinting in rugby: instinct, pace, and execution at the highest level.

Try Distance	80 meters
Top Speed	10.4 sec / 100m

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