The narrative of "The Winning Try" resumes in Episode 2, unfolding amidst the fallout from Ga-ram's defiant disruption of the ritual ceremony. The vice principal, determined to address this breach of discipline, initiates a vote to dismiss Ga-ram from his duties.
Meanwhile, the rugby team finds itself sidelined, hampered by an overpacked schedule that leaves no room for practice. Ga-ram, sensing the urgency, wields his persuasive prowess to convince the principal to intervene, leveraging her authority to coerce other educators into releasing their classes for the team's training sessions.
In a bid to thwart this arrangement and avoid the players' dispersion among other teams, the teachers band together to vote in favor of retaining Ga-ram. Yet, the vote concludes in an uneasy stalemate, adhering to the school's regulation of preserving the status quo in such cases. Hence, Ga-ram's tenure as rugby coach remains intact.
Undeterred, the vice principal doubles down on his mission to oust Ga-ram, orchestrating a showdown against Daesang High—a formidable rival that Hanyang hasn't faced in half a decade. Historically, every clash between the two schools has ended in a shutout for Hanyang. Despite this daunting history, Ga-ram accepts the challenge, albeit with an unconventional aim: not to victory, but to educate his team on the art of losing gracefully.
Seong-jun, grappling with mounting frustration, reaches his breaking point and storms out of the team. On his way home, his path crosses billboards advertising his brother, Seok-jun, who has secured a coveted spot in the Spanish league. Passersby, mistaking Seong-jun for his illustrious sibling, heap praise upon him. Upon arriving at an empty house, Seong-jun realizes his family has embarked on a journey to Spain to support Seok-jun's new beginnings, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Even when Seong-jun reaches out to his mother, hoping to inquire about her whereabouts, her response is swift and curt—she hangs up abruptly, citing Seok-jun's need for her attention. Ga-ram, overwhelmed with sorrow, seeks solace in yogurt and chicken at his friend Seok-bong’s restaurant. Unexpectedly, the principal steps in, urging him to confront the issue with Seong-jun head-on rather than indulging in speculative despair. Driven by this advice, Ga-ram marches to Seong-jun’s house armed with a megaphone. To prevent a public spectacle, Seung-jun reluctantly agrees to accompany him.
Ga-ram, astute in understanding Seong-jun's passion for rugby, leverages this affection to persuade Seung-jun to return to school. He proposes a heartfelt plea, insisting they play the game together, vowing that since his own missteps have derailed his career, he won't let the same fate befall Seung-jun. Moved by Ga-ram's sincerity, Seung-jun decides to rejoin his studies. The vice principal, relenting slightly, lifts his sanctions against unauthorized absences but warns that another infraction will result in severe punishment and disqualification from the upcoming tournament.
Back at the dorms, the rugby team is engrossed in studying the match strategies meticulously outlined by their coach. Excitement buzzes as they discuss and help each other grasp the intricacies of the game, even the diligent Seon-ho putting aside his books for once. Seong-jun, mindful of the curfew and the vice principal's warning, urges them to retire for the night.
Just before their clash with Daesang, the vice principal pulls Seong-jun aside, attempting to coax him into boycotting the game in exchange for a prestigious college recommendation. Ga-ram intervenes, firmly requesting the vice principal to cease meddling in the affairs of his players. On the field, aware of the vice principal's maneuverings, the teammates rally around Seung-jun, warning him that capitulating to such tactics would make him a fool and, if so, he should relinquish his captaincy.
The match against Daesang begins disastrously for Hanyang, with Daesang racking up an embarrassing 35 points in the first half. Coach Kim, unsparing in his critique, lambasts Ga-ram and mocks the team as incompetent, mere pawns to be trampled on the field. However, this humbling defeat was actually part of Ga-ram’s calculated strategy. Initially demoralizing his players, he orchestrates a stunning turnaround in the second half.
During the initial phase of the game, the strategy revolved around a defensive stance, where the Hanyang team bore the responsibility of thwarting any scoring attempts by Daesang. Coach Kim's frustration was palpable, much to the amusement of the Hanyang squad. Eventually, Ga-ram decided to unleash the shackles binding his players. He had imparted to them a pivotal winning maneuver during their pre-match planning sessions, and now was the opportune moment to deploy it. Under his strategic guidance, Seong-jun orchestrated a daring and heroic effort for his team. Though they ultimately emerged victorious in defeat, their graceful loss was marked by an impressive five-point tally in the second half.
This display of resilient spirit moved the spectators deeply, including the students and fellow coaches. I-ji's eyes welled up with tears, while Nurse Yang-seng and her spouse Seok-bang joined in the team's jubilant celebration of a moral triumph. As the episode drew to a close, Coach Kim presented Tae-pung with an offer to transfer to Daesung, which Tae-pung, upon consulting with Ga-ram, indicated his intention to accept.
