All Blacks hopeful closes in on Springbok and Wallaby’s try-scoring record
Split-with-Malcom-Marx-at-the-Lions-Folau-Faingaa-at-Brumbies-and-Blues-Hoskins-Sotutu
Blues number eight Hoskins Sotutu crossed for his ninth try of the season on Saturday, which is the most a forward has scored for the Auckland side in a single campaign.
Sotutu’s prolific season has prompted us to take a closer look at who holds the record for most tries in a single season for a forward.
The trio at 12
Three forwards have managed 12 tries in a single season with the most recent being All Black Codie Taylor during last year’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament. His overall try-scoring record speaks volumes and it is remarkable a hooker is in the top 10 of the Crusaders’ all-time list.
Joining him on 12 is another hooker, Folau Fainga’a, who enjoyed a very rewarding season in 2019 when the Brumbies’ strong maul offered him many scoring opportunities. The Wallaby has always been a strong carrier which is another reason why he managed to achieve such a high number of tries. Fainga’a’s prowess as a try scorer is further underlined by a 10-try season a year later.
The final holder of the record is former Lions hooker Malcolm Marx, who was a key part of the Johannesburg side’s back-to-back finals in the Super Rugby era. These were the years Marx made his name and while he did benefit from mauls, the Springbok’s power in the carry was also fundamental to his try-scoring exploits.
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Sona Taumalolo – 9
The former Tonga prop and uncle of big Ben Tameifuna was an absolute powerhouse in his playing days for the Chiefs, where he managed an impressive nine tries in the 2012 season – a record at the time.
It is amazing to see a prop feature on the list and gives an idea of how important the Tongan was to the Chiefs’ title charge that season.
Hoskins Sotutu – 9*
At the time of writing the Blues number eight has shot to nine tries, leading the competition in 2024 and not looking like stopping at all.
Sotutu looks hungry to grab a starting spot in the new All Blacks era and seems well on course to do that and in the process take his place at the top of this list. There are four more rounds of action in the regular season before three possible knockout stages, meaning if the Blues go deep into the tournament there is a strong chance he can bag this record for himself.
Most tries in a single Super Rugby season by a forward
12 – Codie Taylor (2019)
12 – Folau Fainga’a (2019)
12 – Malcolm Marx (2018)
10 – Folau Fainga’a (2020)
9 – Sona Taumalolo (2012)
9 – Hoskins Sotutu (2024) *