Conrad Jantjies hit on Jaques Cronje

Conrad Jantjies played for the Lions in the past. In fact, he's a Joburg boy through and through. The talented fullback made the move down to the Cape not too long ago though, and is now plying his trade for Western Province in the Currie Cup.

At Newlands last weekend he put in this impressive hit on the much larger figure of Lions Number Eight Jacques Cronje. Blind siding him and knocking him back, and even drawing a little blood, he then drove Cronje into touch.

A valuable hit in the scheme of things, as this was a very open game with some great running rugby. Once again it goes to show that a little guy can take down a big man with ease, no matter how small you are. Even though it was maybe a little high and with the shoulder.

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Brian O'Driscoll try - Australia v Lions 2001

Jonny Wilkinson fed O'Driscoll and the Irishman smashed through the Aussie back-line like a supercharged tank.

George Smith was left trailing in his wake as the 21-year-old crashed over the line to send the 12,000 Lions fans in the Gabba crowd into raptures.

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Jimmy Cowan nails Fourie Du Preez

Jimmy Cowan is a grumpy man. There's now two ways about it. If ever you've seen him play you'll know that the Highlanders halfback is generally very moody and loves the odd scuffle.

Perhaps it's the fact that he's virtually a Justin Marshall clone but has never quite lived up to the quality of the legendary All Black.

Whatever the case, in this clip from this years Super 14 he absolutely smashes Bulls halfback Fourie Du Preez as he peels away from the scrum.

Nothing better than seeing the little guys go at it.

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Sione Lauaki superman handoff

Sione Lauaki sends Adi Jacobs out of the road to help Chiefs winger Sitiveni Sivivatu score in the corner.

One of the biggest hands offs/shoves/fends I've seen. Incredible strength despite the fact that Jacobs isn't the biggest of guys.

This was from 2005 by the way.

See his massive handoff on Richie McCaw here

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Buck Shelford tribute

Wayne 'Buck' Shelford was one of the greatest No.8's and hardest men to ever play rugby. A truly great All Black and formidible presence during one of the stellar periods of All Black rugby.

If ever there was one moment when New Zealand’s Shelford embedded his name forever into rugby's rich history, it was during the infamous “Battle of Nantes” in 1986.

Playing only his second Test for the All Blacks against a physically intimidating French side, Shelford found himself at the bottom of a rather aggressive ruck on 20 minutes.

An errant Les Bleus stud found its way to his groin, where it somehow managed to tear his scrotum, leaving one testicle hanging out.

This alone would leave most men screaming in agony and heading for the nearest hospital. But not Shelford. He calmly instructed the physio to stitch him up.

The French public were gobsmacked as an over-eager pitchside cameraman filmed the stomach-turning surgery, and even more so when Shelford returned to the field and carried on playing...

"I was knocked out cold, lost a few teeth and had a few stitches down below," Shelford later recalled. "It's a game I still can't remember... I don't really want to, either."

Sadly the recent news has come through that the now 49 year old legend has been diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer which affects white blood cells.

"We found out a month ago and he has five more months of treatment," his wife Jo told the Sunday Star Times newspaper in New Zealand.

"We are very positive and pleased with how the treatment is going but it has been a traumatic time for the family."

We wish him and his family all the best. Enjoy this great tribute to a true All Black legend.

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Jerry Collins charges into Tony Woodcock

You really don't want to get in this guys path when he's on the run. Tony Woodcock learnt that the hard way, thanks to Danie Rossouw and the fact that he was lingering aimlessly.

Butch James takes a long dropout that is taken by the All Black halfback Kelleher. He flips it to big Jerry who lines up the first thing he sees, which is Schalk Burger by the look of things... until Tony Woodcock (his own loose-head) is shoved into his running line by Springbok flanker Rossouw.

While this looks like dirty play, and it may well be, Rossouw was actually blocked from getting to Collins by Woodcock, albeit unintentional or not. The shove at the end was probably a little unnecessary though.

All in all, a massive collision, especially when seen live in real time.

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Ma'a Nonu spear tackle on Darcy

Ma'a Nonu somehow escaped further punishment after this tackle on Gordon Darcy in 2005. The commitee ruled that the refs penalty and the subsequent chat was enough.

Nonu was booed by Irish fans still incensed at the incident during the Lions tour of New Zealand this year when their captain Brian O'Driscoll was hit by a double tackle in the opening minute of the first test.

Both coaches condemned Nonu's tackle after the game.

"We don't want those sorts of things happening in the game," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry. "I know they're not done deliberately but we need to try and make sure they don't happen."

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said D'Arcy had been turned upside down.

"It's not safe to do that to anybody," he said. "It's not a pretty sight and a bit scary to see."

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Brian O'Driscoll spear tackled 2005

In 2005 the British and Irish Lions Rugby union team toured New Zealand for the first time since 1993, suffering a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of the New Zealand All Blacks.

For the Lions, having toured Australia in 2001 and South Africa in 1997, it was the first time for 22 years they lost every test match on tour.

The squad wasn't helped, of course, by losing their world-class captain less than a minute into the first Test match. It was highly controversial at the time, with accusations being fired back and forth. The guilty party were Tana Umaga & Kevin Mealamu.

Umaga being involved particularly shocked people seeing as he was known to be one of the better behaved players in the game.

The issue resurfaced violently, after someone taping the game from the stands anonymously submitted controversial footage that the stadium's cameras didn't pick up.

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Alternative Rugby Commentary - The Tri Nations 2007

The Tri Nations got under way last weekend with a good, albeit narrow, victory for the Boks over the Aussies. This weekend the All Blacks will take on the South Africans in Durban, South Africa.

To learn more about how this Rugby Universe works, checkout the Alternative Rugby Commentary.

NOTE: The dates listed here are from 2007.

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Jason Robinson classic for the Lions 2001

The 2001 Lions tour of Australia exploded into life through a man who had still to make an international start for his own country.

The Lions passed the ball flat and fast through to Robinson on the left.

One shimmy and the Sale winger was free, scooting past Chris Latham on the outside and running joyously into the corner.

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Doug Howlett smashes Earl Rose

In this years Super 14 match between the Blues and the Lions, Doug Howlett and Earl Rose had somewhat of a sideshow going on, with a number of clashes. The first of which was a bit of a scuffle and supposed quick headbutt by Rose on Howlett.

Dougie Howlett sure put him in his place though, with two great tackles, the second of which shown here is an absolute monster.

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Rupeni Caucau vs the Tahs 'The rest of em are dinosaurs!'

We wouldn't want an overload of one particular player, but since finding more footage of Monsieur CauCau, I figured I'd post his highlights between current games and previous big hits etc.

This was back in the Super 12 when playing for the Blues against the Waratahs. A fit CauCaunibuca shows SERIOUS gas to score the first, leaving the 'Tahs for dead. The second is another classic, making the game look so simple.

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Francois Steyn winning dropgoals vs Australia

The 2007 Tri Nations is underway, in spectacular fashion. This match, played on June 16th in Cape Town, South Africa, went right down the wire.

After an unsuccessful Springbok raid, the ball was cleared by Larkham. It did not find touch however, allowing 20 year old Francois Steyn to work his magic.

Turning and making the 40 meter touchline dropgoal look easy, Steyn once again showed that he won't die wondering, backing himself and going for it.

The second was from much closer, but with more pressure. Both are phenomenal displays of skill and we should expect to see more of the same from this talented young man.

Time: 02:36

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Dan Scarborough big hit on Percy Montgomery

This is a fantastic hit by Dan Scarborough on Percy Montgomery in the second test between England and South Africa at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. This tackle temporarily injured both players involved.

Monty was most likely winded from getting knocked on his backside by the English winger. As far Scarborough himself, you can see his arm go lame straight after the tackle.

Smashing hit.

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British Lions 1974 infamous '99 Call

The 1974 test series between the Springboks and the British Lions was beset by violence. The management of the Lions concluded that the Springboks dominated their opponents with physical aggression.

At that time, in test matches the referee was from the home nation. There were no video cameras and sideline officials to keep things such as punching, kicking, and head-butting to a minimum.

The Lions decided 'to get their retaliation in first' with the infamous '99 call' (99 is a shortening of 999 which in Britain and Ireland is the phone number for the emergency services such as the police, ambulance or fire brigade).

The idea was that a South African referee would be unlikely to send off all of the Lions if they all retaliated against 'blatant thuggery'.

In the final incident, thats Klippie Kritzinger knocking out the late Gordon Brown.

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Chris Czekaj breaks his leg

The Cardiff Blues flyer suffered a broken right leg in the 31-0 second Test loss to Australia in Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. Czekaj suffered the injury in the 22nd minute, twisting badly in a tackle by Wallaby hooker Stephen Moore.

The 21-year-old underwent surgery in Brisbane on Sunday and has been told he cannot fly home for at least 14 days. However, the Welsh Rugby Union is flying Czekaj's girlfriend out to Australia to keep him company until he can return to Wales.

We wish him a speedy and painless recovery.

WARNING: The video shows him twisting and literally breaking his leg. It's up for reference purposes. If you don't approve then don't watch. A lot of people didn't see this live and requested it.

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Alternative Rugby Commentary - The Canadian Test

Another classic from Fraser. This is a preview for the game between the All Blacks & Canada which is coming up on June 16th in Hamilton. Listen to the Alternative Rugby Commentary with Jed Thian on www.arcrugby.co.nz.

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Liam Messam puts the shoulder in

In the 2006 Churchill Cup Final, the New Zealand Maori took on Scotland B. The Maori defense was bruising throughout. This tackle by Liam Messam isn't much of a tackle though, more of a body check. Should have been dealt with by the ref probably. Not sure how he didn't see anything wrong with it?
Looks more like the type of hits you'd see in Rugby League, where they allow it.

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Australia vs Fiji 2007

The Aussies beat the Sevens specialists Fiji by 49-0 on the weekend. Great Australian performance... Not sure about this last try though, decide for yourself.

The question now is, how does a Test series win over Wales, and a win over Fiji bode for the Aussies Tri-Nations aspirations?

The Wallabies meet the Boks on saturday in Cape Town for the Tri Nations opener.

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Springboks vs Samoa from Ellis Park

Highlights of the once off test between the Boks and Samoa at Ellis Park.

The Springboks came off of a two week trouncing of a weakened English side. The Samoans were brave at times, but simply couldn't match the South Africans in their variety of play, despite the fact that the Boks had 13 new players from the group that beat England.

Once again, Samoa has huge talent and strength, but clearly not enough money to keep their players. When oh when will something be done about it, and whats happened to the Pacific Islanders side?


Time: 3:32

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New Zealand vs France - Second test

Highlights of the second test vs France.
Another dazzling performance by the All Blacks. They had a bit more structure and well and truly ran over the French in the final stages. An AB turnover results in the only French try, but other than that...it was one way traffic.

Flyin' Joe crossed twice...good to see, and Luke "Quad-zilla" McAlister looked dangerous.

Ali Williams broke his jaw...Poor guy. And Jerry Collins hurt his funny bone near the end of the game. Probably because he broke someone's nose with it.

Good performance by the men in black...But can they take that on the road to South Africa in a few weeks, when the play the Springboks to start their Tri-Nations campaign. Or have the Boks simply saved their best for the ones that matter?

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Jerry Collins nails Chabal

Hard man Jerry Collins give Sebastien Chabal some of his own medicine with this hit during the second test between France and the All Blacks. Notice how quickly Chabal tries to get rid of it when he sees Collins coming. I don't blame him. Apparently Jerry has the biggest biceps in the All Black squad, measuring in at 52cm (21 inches).

Not a massive hit, but pretty decent nonetheless.

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Julien Arias try vs Cardiff Blues in 2004

An absolutely cracking try scored by Stade Francais right wing Julien Arias against Cardiff in the Heineken Cup in 2004. Running the length of the field and beating at least 5 players on his way to the try line.

Some great handoffs, and possibly suspect tackling, but a brilliant individual effort nonetheless.

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Ronan O'Gara pummeled by Duncan Macrae - Lions Tour 2001

During the British & Irish Lions tour match against New South Wales in Australia, Tempers frayed and Duncan McRae was deservedly sent off for repeatedly punching O'Gara in the face.

Subsequent fights broke out across the pitch and four yellow cards followed - two for each side - as the referee tried to get a grip on the game.

When the restart finally came, only 25 players were involved and the Lions got their first points of the half from a penalty kick by the unerringly accurate Wilkinson.

Final Score: NSW 24-41 Lions


Time: 01:24

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Ali Williams breaks his jaw from Sebastien Chabal charge

From the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand...France's big number8 has a go at Ali Williams. Williams broke his jaw in several places while attempting to make this tackle.

Williams was operated on yesterday and is expected to miss the Tri-Nations. This means that the All Blacks lock supply is running low.

Both Eaton and Ryan out with severe knee problems. Keith Robinson hurt his calf in the warm-up of this game. And now Ali and his jaw. Ross Filipo and Greg Rawlinson have been called up.

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Samoan Siva Tau vs South Africa

This is from todays game between Samoa and South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The Manu Siva Tau is the Samoan war dance, performed by the Samoa's sporting teams before each match. It instills a huge deal of pride & passion as well as serving to be a fantastic psyche up for the players.

Samoan
Le Manu Samoae ia malu ona fai o le faiva,le manu samoae ia malu ona fai o le faiva
Le Manu Samoa lenei ua ou sau
Leai se isi Manu oi le atu laulau
Ua ou sai nei ma le mea atoa
O lou malosi ua atoatoa
Ia e faatafa ma e soso ese
Leaga o lenei manu e uiga ese
Le Manu Samoa
Le Manu Samoa
Le Manu Samoa e o mai I Samoa hi

English
The Manu Samoa, may you succeed in your mission
The Manu Samoa, here I come
There is no other Manu (team) anywhere
Here I come completely prepared
My strength is at its peak
Make way and move aside
Because this Manu is unique
The Manu Samoa
The Manu Samoa
The Manu Samoa reigns from Samoa

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Rupeni Caucaunibuka at his best

Some examples of the absolute brilliance of Rupeni Caucau in action for the Blues at his peak in 2003. I'll never forget watching that last try live and being blown away by the sheer skill level and blistering speed.

Most people will hate me for saying this, but I almost wish that he'd been legible to play for the All Blacks, for the simple reason that then this great player would get the exposure he deserves.

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Luke Watson crosskick for the try

Luke Watson will be making his long awaited Springbok debut vs Samoa this weekend at Ellis Park. His inclusion was totally against the coach Jake Whites choice. The young Stormers captain and the Bok coach have never seen eye to eye, and White swore that Watson would never play for the Boks while he's coach. Political intervension has however taken over, and White was forced to include Luke in the team.

In all honesty, Watson being included in this manner is completely wrong. Government should never get involved in rugby selections. But, this is South Africa, and these things happen. Nevertheless, I think Watson is a great player who deserves a chance to wear the Green and Gold, and he will no doubt take the opportunity with both hands and will no doubt impress.

This clip is of a try The Stormers scored earlier in this years Super 14. Watson puts in a fantastic crosskick which is gathered by Gerrie Britz and then finished off by Corne Uys. Just another example of Watson's all round skill.

Sidenote: Derick Hougaard will be making his return for the Boks this weekend. Luckily for him, 'The Chiropractor' Brian Lima is injured and won't be taking the field for the Samoans.

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All Blacks vs France - Auckland

New Zealand scored five tries to beat France in what was an average performance from the hosts with Les Bleus showing plenty of courage throughout the match at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

The All Blacks were far from perfect, and will be hoping for a better performance against the French this weekend in Wellington.

That said, a win is a win, and the final score of 42-11 is satisfactory. The highlights of the match in my mind being the memorable haka and of course that textbook tackle by Chabal.


Time: 04:16

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SA vs England - 2nd Test

Another great weekend for the Boks against a depleated England side that put up a good fight for the first forty mins, but were overcome by the power and precision of South Africa in the second.

A very physical encounter, with the English standing up to the Boks nicely. Some massive hits took place, which will be featured on here soon.

Pierre Spies and Bryan Habana both showed individual brilliance to score sensational tries. Spies showed power and pace to beat four players on the way to the line, making everyone take notice of this potential superstar at number eight.

Habana showed once again that he's not all raw pace, as he dummied, stepped, bobbed, weaved, and virtually did a pirouette on the way to the line. His inside-out to beat the English fullback capped off a fantastic solo effort.

I was at the game and the atmosphere there was incredible. Theres a great feeling in SA rugby at the moment and everyones (south africans!) hoping they can be real contenders at the WC later this year.

The Boks take on Samoa at Ellis Park on Saturday.


Time: 03:46

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Kapa O Pango vs France 2007

An awesome rendition of the All Blacks 'new' Haka, the Kapa O Pango, brilliantly led by halfback Piri Weepu.

Checkout Sebastien Chabals face throughout. Virtually licking his lips like an animal waiting to be unleashed.

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Sébastien Chabal hammers Chris Masoe

From this weekends match between France and New Zealand, a massive hit by the big French number eight against leave Chris Masoe a little dazed to say the least. Huge impact on the All Black players head as he hits the ground.

Best thing about this massive hit was that it was 100% legal. Lined him up beautifully and nailed him.

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Argentina beat Ireland!

Argentina's achieved a historic victory over Ireland last weekend. Fantastic result for them which once again reinforces the point that they need to be taken seriously, and included in an international tournament.

In summary, the Irish visited Sante Fe to take on Los Pumas. Ireland's two tries were answered by Felipe Contepomi's penalty kicks. A late Argentine try and a bit of magic from Contepomi proved to be the difference in this upset.

Los Pumas have now beaten both England and Ireland...But where do they stand in the grand scheme of things, with the world cup in September?


Time: 03:34

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Alternative Rugby Commentary - The French Tests

The Alternative rugby commentary is a live audio stream for fans of the All
Blacks. This show started in 2005 for the Lions tour of New Zealand. The
commentator is Jed Thian from the Rugby Roundtable podcast.

The All Blacks are playing France on June 2nd in Auckland. Log onto www.arcrugby.co.nz now and signup then listen live to the stream.

This video is brilliant btw. Enjoy.

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