Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Todd Clever brings the pain in San Diego

Monday, February 11, 2008

Todd Clever brings the pain in San Diego

Hard working USA Eagles and Rugbydump fan Todd Clever impressed the locals at this years leg of the San Diego Sevens in the USA last night.

Chasing a kick off that was perfectly weighted, Clever put a great hit in on the Welsh receiver as he caught the ball and landed. Something happened on the ground though, big Todd took exception to it, and a scuffle ensued.

I don't often say this, but the referee handled it really well, himself even stating that it was a great hit and everyone just needed to calm down a little.

Great to see Todd keeping up with his tradition of making massive hits at the USA Sevens.

Time: 01:38

Labels: Sevens

What is his problem? Total overreaction.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 10:54 am
the welsh player tried to ruck him out and probably caught him with his arm, definate overreaction though

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 11:22 am
hahah the american punched him in the backside. cracking stuff

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 11:33 am
the kids at the back will be proud to see themselves in rugbydump.com while the ref was talkin to the captains.. tho he overreacted.. but i believe the welsh player hold in on the ground on purpose to prevent a turn over..

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 12:02 pm
wat is clevers problem
he is way to syked up
the welsh player didnt do anythin gand suddenly he starts gettin pounded
the ref handled it badly as clever should have been off

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 12:20 pm
just pumped up i guess, 6 mins to play and wales were well in the lead? tempers fray i spose.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 12:29 pm
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By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 12:31 pm
At least a yellow card.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 1:00 pm
this is why yanks cant play rugby. alright, nice hit, but that punching afterwards was just spastic and uncalled for. they dont seem to know what's legal and what's not. i hate that. respect for the tackle but what he did afterwards was not rugby and not cool. yellow card and boos from the crowd is what he deserves.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 1:21 pm
He went a bit mental there didnt he, great hit but the afters was a bit uncalled for. These are big boys though, they can handle themselves, think the ref made the right call, definately nothing more than a yellow.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 1:27 pm
How can someone say that Yanks can't play rugby because he threw a couple of punches, that didn't really connect anyway??

Michael Brial - Australian
Buck Shelford - All Black
Corne Krige - South African
Martin Johnson - English
Garin Jenkins - Welsh
Federico Mendez - Argentinian

These are just a few players who have done similar 'spastic' & 'uncalled for' things on the rugby field, but you could never tell them THEY cant play the game.

See my point? This incident wasn't even that bad so don't be a fool and label all 'yanks' as unable to play the game because of this one incident. That's just ignorance at it's best.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 1:36 pm
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By Sander, at February 11, 2008 1:46 pm
Right, Great tackle. Good technique by the canadians to ruck out the player, the welsh player used the canadians momentum to bring him straight over the ruck, thus making it more open for welsh players to come in - perfectly legit (as he wasn't strangling him or anything) and quick thinking. Clever probably had a bit of angst as he was held down on the ground long enough for the welsh player to be deemed 'lary'. Being pumped up, he wanted to show that they were still up for the match and would meet them at every level, plus a bit of interest. Didn't really have to unload that number of punches to be honest. Just grabbing him by the scruff of his neck and voicing his distaste would have been sufficient.
My first impression - see "What is his problem? Total overreaction." (first comment on this thread) - was that it was a massive overreaction, but the resulting discourse has made me use the eyes and brain a bit more.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 2:06 pm
After a big hit like that I don't see why Clever would be annoyed, the little Welsh number must of said something to p*ss him off.

Or he is a total psycho, but I wouldn't see why, you don't need loose cannons in Sevens, if you go down to six men you are going to be shafted.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 2:35 pm
Why do that in a Sevens game? Should have been off in the spirit of Sevens. Sevens seems to be getting way to serious, when I played it badly it was just great fun and gave the whippets a chance to show off. I am sure people will disagree but it is being spoilt these days with all the marketing and money involved in it.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 2:52 pm
TJ: "Nothing Serious"
Referee: "You know I can't go to the big screen, okay?"

Great mgmt by the referee. Makes it clear that while his hands are tied (No TMO in 7s, you have 2 in-goal judges), that he does have a pretty good idea that Clever is marked for the rest of the game.

If it really is a big deal, then the citing comm. will hand something down against Clever. Since he's a Tier 2 player, they may just go ahead and give him an 8-week ban.

A "Crime of Passion", but still a crime.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 3:15 pm
haha what a doughnut, nice hair though

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 3:48 pm
Review the video. He punches only twice and may have connected with the head once and the butt/thigh the second time. He is angry at being held and likely felt his team had a good shot at a turnover before he was held. It's nothing serious but just like the accidental spear tackle in the world cup everyone jumps in with their biased opinions based on their view of US players as cavemen. I've seen much worse with much more intent time and again from the powers of both the north and the south. Cheers to RugbyDump for continuing to feature the occasional US highlight despite the ridiculousness of the comments.

By Lothar of the Hill People, at February 11, 2008 4:08 pm
Clever not being very clever, boom boom. Ok I will get my coat.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 4:12 pm
Does anyone have a video of The Cleaver punching that guy in the anus? Funniest moment of the tourny. He's never going to live that down.

By Anarchangel, at February 11, 2008 5:32 pm
The yanks cant play rugby. that is a fact. And I am saying that because I watched their performances in the world cup, not because of those punches...

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 5:42 pm
poor guy, he thinks he's tough

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 7:07 pm
He is a great tackler, one of their better players.

Let's not forget that rugby was always played with a few punches thrown.

Personally, I wish that the refs would not be so harsh on fair fights. Penalise sucker punches, but let fair fights ride.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 8:28 pm
"The yanks cant play rugby. that is a fact. And I am saying that because I watched their performances in the world cup, not because of those punches..."

You're not paying attention, then. An American won Try of the Year. In 03, an American was in the top ten point scorers. Considering that most American players don't even start until college, that's pretty good.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 8:36 pm
he nailed someone and then tried to attack him.clever was about double the welsh player's size.hes such a poser.he'd never do that to a real beast. you should get that clip of schalk burger running over clever just after catching the ball at the tail of a lineout(from the world cup).not so tough, are ya now clever.......u bully

By neiliog93, at February 11, 2008 9:04 pm
I'm not defending the guys whos slagging off american rugby, but you have to admit America's regular opposition is no where near the standard of the 6 or tri nations, so it's easier to score try's. That's why he was in the top10. It's like that japanese dude who is the all time leading try scorer, because they play shit teams - they're still way down the rankings aren't they.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 9:05 pm
try get the clip of burger running over clever from the wc up here.he wont seem so tough then.the bully, attacking soemone hes double the size of

By neiliog93, at February 11, 2008 9:07 pm
Interesting how whenever a player or team starts to do something decent or look a bit threatening, the insults and attacks come out, ala Bryan Habana.

Anyone who's attended school, and that's doubtful with some of these commentors, will know that you only have a go at someone when you feel threatened or jealous of them.

The USA are a minnow just like all the others, so why when everyone was singing the minnows praises are they now attacking them?? Grow up guys and realise that a team like the USA improving can only be good for the game.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 9:21 pm
Have to admit todd clever is a very good player even if he is american but he has got attitutde problems on the pitch , even when playing 15's. He is always swinging his fists and running his mouth he just needs to get smashed by Chabal to shut him up , he doesn't need his mouth and fists do the talking.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 9:47 pm
Have to admit todd clever is a very good player even if he is american but he has got attitutde problems on the pitch , even when playing 15's. He is always swinging his fists and running his mouth he just needs to get smashed by Chabal to shut him up , he doesn't need his mouth and fists do the talking.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 9:47 pm
that was bad call by officials i must say...total overreaction by cleaver deserved yellow card at least....i dont mind punch ups in rugby so long as both players are up for it or player has reason for starting it.but this welsh player was in no position to defend himself did nothing wrong to cleaver just took him out of ruck.wouldnt have minded if cleaver had jus trew him off or pushed him away but no need for the fists. so defo yellow card.

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 9:52 pm
I've finaly come up with a reason for this! The yanks cant drink til they are 21, and we all know rugby is 50-60% in the pub. Maybe this is the reason rugby has less attraction there (U21s), and why the only players they can recruit are people with ADD or whatever this guy has. (if you're reading this ,mate, i know you could beat me to shit and all that, but please take your issues of the pitch)

So good luck to the USA, you poor bastards, and get the drinking age down, for the sake of your rugby team!

Cheers,

Tim

By the way, I love this site! My new homepage...

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 10:29 pm
Clean hit from a dirty player, all respect he garnered from his hard work is for not. If your gonna give it then take it, which judging from this reaction clever can not. .

By Anonymous, at February 11, 2008 11:09 pm
Man he ass-punched him

By Anonymous, at February 12, 2008 12:46 am
theres only one todd clever!!!

theres only one todd clever!!!

walking along, singing a song, walking in clever wonderland!

yes he did over react, but hey its fucking rugby!

By Anonymous, at February 12, 2008 3:46 am
To you KIDS saying us American cant play rugby. Remind me who won the Gold for rugby in the 1920 1924 Olympics let me think the U.S.A they beat France in the finals both times. Now yes we are weak as of now but we are a rising nation and can only get better. Great hit but i agree he did overreact a bit.

By Anonymous, at February 12, 2008 4:27 am
The old bum punch ay...

Clever's a good player, feisty but got skills... played well in Welly.

maybe he needed something to prove on home turf

By boomshanka, at February 12, 2008 5:26 am
ps. GO TEAM KENYA !

By boomshanka, at February 12, 2008 5:27 am
This lad Clever just turned up in this ad that stars a few of the other eagles and a very dodgy male kiss...maybe the welsh lad at the 7s just wasn't his type....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SojpUvotr3s
Clever's reaction in the ad is really funny. Apparently they didn't know it was going to happen.

By Unknown, at February 12, 2008 6:15 am
''wat is clevers problem he is way to syked up''

Firstly we shouldbe syked up hes reperesenting his country at a high level and if he wasnt syked he wouldnt be the player he is know A GOOD ONE!

-Liam

By Anonymous, at February 12, 2008 6:48 am
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By Anonymous, at February 12, 2008 12:00 pm
looked like he took him when he was off the ground!

By Anonymous, at February 12, 2008 3:41 pm
Clever Underated

Hercus Overated

By Anonymous, at February 12, 2008 6:10 pm
welsh player had him round the neck....overreaction, but meh i think thats why....

By Anonymous, at February 13, 2008 12:15 am
obvious holding down on the Welsh to prevent loss of ball
Todd's the man in my book!

By Anonymous, at February 13, 2008 3:25 am
I can see why he reacted to the neck-lock he was thrown in, but there was no need for the punches. He should have gotten a yellow card. Clever is an intense player and this was a turning point in the US' comeback against Wales.

Whether the rest of the world likes it or not, the US is coming up in the world of rugby. Just a little over a year ago the 7's team was a doormat and now they can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone and are picking up their fair share of wins. It was all of matter of getting some funding and time together to develope skills and fitness. They'll only get better. The 15's squad will naturally take longer to develope, but they are on their way as well.

By Anonymous, at February 13, 2008 1:35 pm
Todd Clever is the man those of you who said he over reacted are scared.

By Anonymous, at February 14, 2008 11:56 pm
holy shit, he really brought democracy to that Welshman's arse.

By Anonymous, at February 16, 2008 2:38 pm