WHATEVER THE FIJIAN captain told his teammates in their pre-match huddle, conceding the world’s fastest try never passed his lips.
19-year-old winger Dafydd Howells blazed in a seven-second try to give Wales the best possible start to their Junior World Championship match against Fiji. The Ospreys player was the first to react, and snatch, an Angus O’Brien kick-off that was allowed to bounce just outside the Fijian 22.
The Sky Sport commentators’ reaction is perfection: “And it’s a lovelllllyyy staaaart. What a start by Wales.”
The quickest try on record was previously held by Leeds Carnergie’s Lee Blackett, against Newcastle, in 2008. Blackett touched down after 8.28 seconds but Howells is now the undoubted record holder.
O’Brien missed the conversion from the left touchline but chipped in with 18 points from the kicking tee as Wales won 48-19.
Ireland face Wales on Friday in the second of their Pool B games. Mike Ruddock’s team lost 19-13 to France in their opener.
