Fri 8 May 2015 | 08:48
Last ditch tap tackle stops Jonny May from scoring 70m scorcher vs Edinburgh

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In Gloucester's defeat of Edinburgh in the European Challenge Cup final, the flying winger for the Cherry & Whites almost scored a sensational try midway through the first half. His effort was halted by a fantastic chase and ankle-tap, the second of which in the game.

With three international tries and 13 caps to his name, Jonny May has become recognised by defences as a world class finisher who can score from almost anywhere on the pitch.

May's incredible try against New Zealand in 2014, in which he started from the halfway line before ghosting around Kiwi centre Conrad Smith, and fullback Israel Dagg before touching down, was so impressive it received a nomination for the IRPA Try of the Year. 

On this occasion, it was an Edinburgh player fumbling the ball just outside the Gloucester 22 that gifted May his opportunity to prove just how lethal he can be.

Going from standing to top gear in a matter of seconds, the England flyer came within inches of scoring a memorable try, stopped only by the desperate tap-tackle of South African back rower, Cornell du Preez - and his covering efforts to catch May must be commended. 

The Gloucester star was dropped from the England setup during this year's RBS Six Nations, replaced by Exeter youngster, Jack Nowell. May will hope that his performances for the new European Challenge Cup champions will be enough to warrant selection for the World Cup. 

Earlier in the match Du Preez, who had just returned from a horrific ankle injury, also pulled off an impressive tap tackle on Gloucester's fullback, Charlie Sharples, who had dangerously broken the Edinburgh defence. That clip can be seen on page two of this post.

View Du Preez's tap tackle on Charlie Sharples

Cornell du Preez's outstanding ankle tap on dangerous flyer Charlie Sharples

4 Comments

  • mattmon10
    10:04 PM 08/05/2015

    As far as I'm aware (and I'm ready to be corrected on this), 'jumping into a tackle' isn't actually illegal.
    It is however considered dangerous play, and is more often than not penalised.
    Jumping 'away' from a tackle...I suppose that's at the discretion of the referee.

  • drg
    7:23 PM 08/05/2015

    What are the laws regarding jumping? I mean from what I gather jumping 'into a tackle' is a problem, however it looked a little to me like May sort of jumped away from a tackle... legal?

  • stroudos
    2:24 PM 08/05/2015

    Did you watch the one on Sharples as well? Is this something of a speciality for Cornell Du Preez or something? Both brilliantly executed.

    Have to say particularly, Du Preez's defensive positioning for the May tackle is exemplary. Would be very easy to over-commit and allow him to step infield but he's got his angles just right and really limited the space May had to play with. Still no mean feat covering enough ground to catch him too!

  • danknapp
    12:50 PM 08/05/2015

    I love seeing forwards chasing the little guys down. This reminds me of the Parling tap tackle for the Lions. Always a pleasure to see them!