Bath full-back Santi Carreras scored a uniquely outrageous try that rugby fans are already calling the score of the season, just one game into the new campaign. The Argentina international produced a moment of individual brilliance against Harlequins that seemed to defy logic and left commentators stunned.
Remarkable Intercept at Twickenham Stoop
With Bath narrowly leading Harlequins 14-10 in the first half at Twickenham Stoop, the hosts launched another attack through Tyrone Green. Green looked to release Oscar Beard with Carreras the final defender standing between them and the try line.
Rather than simply sticking out a hand and risking a knock-on and potential penalty try, Carreras came up with something almost nobody watching could have anticipated. He stuck out his foot.
Carreras somehow managed to volley Green's pass into the air before immediately turning and chasing after it. With the ball heading towards the touchline, the Bath man reached out with one hand and plucked it out of the air before it could go into touch.
Length-of-Field Finish
That was only the beginning. Carreras then put his foot down, raced the length of the field and finished a remarkable counter-attack under the posts, having covered around 75 yards. It was the kind of score that needed a replay to be properly appreciated.
The TNT Sports commentary team were in awe of the moment, with lead commentator Alastair Eykyn shouting: "No way has Santi Carreras done that! That is is incredible."
Pundit Danny Care added: "That is one of the coolest things I have ever seen on a rugby pitch. They are moments you dream about - a two v one, for all money Quins are running it in. Santi Carreres so smart. What a touch - like Enzo Fernandez, and then the wheels to go the length. That's try of the season for me on night one."
Fans and Media React
Viewers at home were equally impressed, with one describing the score simply as "unreal", while another marvelled: "Not many would try that. Even less would nail it." Another reaction read: "Never seen an intercept try like this."
Interceptions are nothing new in rugby. Neither are solo tries, long-range finishes or players keeping a loose ball alive. But combining all of those things into one sequence – using his foot to intercept the pass, deliberately kicking the ball into the air, chasing it down, gathering it one-handed before beating everyone over a huge distance – has rarely been seen before.
The Guardian likened the moment to something that could have been conjured by Diego Maradona or Lionel Messi, describing the execution as being "of another planet". Bath went on to beat Harlequins 33-17, with Carreras' extraordinary effort proving to be the pivotal score of the first half.
