Red-faced rugby player blows try

The mantra of never giving up is drummed into athletes from an early age.

And following that edict paid dividends for a Japanese rugby player when he saved a certain try with a jolting tackle over the line.

Playing in the recent USA Sevens Rugby tournament in Las Vegas, Argentina looked set to score a vital try in their quarter final clash with Japan when a player cut through the defence, following a chain of passes close to the line.

After cruising over the line, the Argentinian sauntered toward the posts to set up an easy conversion.

But his casual approach proved costly when the would be try-scorer was smashed from behind before he placing the ball down, with the tackle jolting the pill free for a knock on.

The blunder left the Argentinian as red-faced as his jumper, while the Japanese defender was hailed for his desperation.

Unfortunately for Japan the inspirational tackle wasn't enough to win the game, with the South Americans claiming a 15-12 victory.

But it should serve as a lesson to every youngster the value of never giving up on a play.