4. England v Scotland, 2011 Rugby World Cup
This is not necessarily Ashton’s most picturesque try, but it’s significance held no bounds for England. Three points down with three minutes left, England were about to hand a memorable win to their old enemies of Scotland, at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The match had been a grid-locked kicking contest, with neither side able to make a breakthrough over the opposition’s try-line. Then up stepped Chris Ashton, a relative newcomer to the England squad who showed no signs of nerves. After a Tuilagi collision halts England’s momentum from 7m out, the ball is sent wide, as Toby Flood loops the ball out to Ashton, who goes over in the corner.
Despite taking place on the other side of the world, there was an immense roar from the England faithful who had made the pilgrimage to New Zealand’s Eden Park. The match was won, and England finished top of Group B, for a memorable win at the home of the All Blacks.