Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Incredible skill by Wallaby George Smith

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Incredible skill by Wallaby George Smith

I've always considered myself somewhat of a Rugby Connoisseur. What that means is that the finer details of this great game have forever been something that has made it really special for me.

Sure, the big hits and the amazing tries are spectacular, but more often than not, what really does it for me is the delicate pieces of skill that separate the average players from the greats.

It's with this in mind that I've dug out this clip of the multi-talented Wallaby flanker George Smith against the All Blacks in 2004.

Those of you who've been able to see Smith play on a regular basis will know that time and time again he pulls off the impossible. If it's not a big hand off and a neat grubber down the line, it's a perfectly timed pass to put a team mate into space.

On this occasion, after Smith's great strength and miracle pass inside the touch judge got it wrong unfortunately, but it's just one example of his fine skill that for me personally, is a delight to watch.

I'm clearly no Tri-Nations caliber touch judge. But I can clearly see why he would have call that out. Even if he was wrong in the heat of the moment it looked out. Not to say it's a good reason for his screw up, just maybe an explanation. At his level he should have known better. But we're all human (except for Lomu, he's a freak)

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 9:22 am
by the time the balled was passed in-field, the touch judge already has his view of Smith's feet blocked by Mealamu...
he probably reckon it's better to play it safe.

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 9:30 am
I mean the same thing. Clearly the wrong decision. But if I were in his place I would have probably done the same. Oh well, Smith is a tremendous player without a doubt. He was smart enough to hop up in the air and deliver a dead-eye pass. What more could you want? Nothing against Smith, it was the touch judge who messed up. Though given what I imagine he saw, it wasn't due to a lack of skill, just nerves probably.

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 9:33 am
Hum, I guess it is "connaisseur" ! Conoisseur sounds somehow middle age french. Maybe it made sense 600 years ago...

Still, excellent video, as usual

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 11:41 am
legend-to-be i say...

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 11:44 am
anyway.. it would have been a high tackle.. but the ref is clueless.. i guess his rather more interested in watchin then controlling the game

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 11:46 am
effort. great skill

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 11:54 am
Virgile you're right.
It's "un connaisseur"!

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 1:48 pm
So the ref was playing the percentages as he was taught.

TJs are taught that one trails and one leads the play. Usually, the open sider leader and the weak sider trails.

Unfortunate circumstances, as it was a pass we all dream of throwing (and the catcher has nightmares of some Polynesian crushing him on it)

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 3:28 pm
That is simply sublime.

It's just instinct from years of playing the game. You teach the basic skills and keep practicing, then those amazing feats just becomes a natural reaction.

Fantastic!

By Anonymous, at January 30, 2008 7:27 pm
Rugby meets ninjitsu. That's simply incredible, I agree.

R

By Anonymous, at January 31, 2008 3:19 am
but this is george smith we're talking about. he is one of the best flankers in the world and some stuff he does is pretty amazing.

By Anonymous, at January 31, 2008 7:30 am
this isn't a perfect 'no-look pass' it's just a random sling back in field. gregan does well to be following up but it's pure luck not great skill.
smith seems to be way overrated on this forum. I'd rather have McCaw, Braid or Holah, or Haskell or Rees, or Burger or Williams or basically anyone else. he gives away too many penalties and isn't a good enough ball-carrier or bosch man to compensate

By Anonymous, at January 31, 2008 8:40 pm
I think that was brilliant rugby. Power skill and timing - shame the touch judge had to call what should of been out but he went for the safe bet. He was the wrong side. I think the pass was amazing with great awarness and momentum ready for a quick recylce. Bummer for the touch judge when he watches that one back. great rugby

By AK, at February 01, 2008 1:32 am
maybe the touch judge thaught that gregan vas over the line

By Anonymous, at October 31, 2008 8:34 pm
Once any part of a player's body cross over the touch-line - on the ground or not (here Smith is in the air), they're out. Judge was right.

By Anonymous, at May 12, 2009 4:41 pm
touch judge is right....
player and ball are not out if they don't touch the ground OR something/somebody on touching the ground. Smiths foot/lower leg is touching the player on the ground.... He is Out of Play. Class Play all the same :-)

By Anonymous, at August 10, 2010 1:08 am
DOH,
Touch judge is STILL right....
player and ball are not out if they don't touch the ground "UNLESS" something/somebody is touching the ground. Smiths foot/lower leg is touching the player on the ground.... He is Out of Play. Class Play all the same :-)ps: corner flag doesn't count anymore :-)

By Anonymous, at August 10, 2010 1:12 am