Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Benson Stanley stops Fetu'u Vainikolo dead in his tracks

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Benson Stanley stops Fetu'u Vainikolo dead in his tracks

Young Blues center Benson Stanley has once again put in another impressive tackle in this years Super 14, this time on the Highlanders flying winger Fetu'u Vainikolo.

Stanley isn't a big guy, but has got his tackling technique absolutely perfect, as we've seen on more than one occasion this season. Besides Stanley's relatively small frame, he shouldn't be underestimated on defense, as the Brumbies' George Smith will surely testify too.

Vainikolo, who is incidently no relation to England's namesake Lesley, has been a real star for the Highlanders this season with his devastating runs from deep and repeatedly getting through the first few tacklers with immense acceleration, stepping, and power. Not this time though.

The funny thing is that on the replay you can see Vainikolo slow down slightly, almost as if Stanley's reputation precedes him and he realises he's heading down a dark alley.

Extremely impressive from Stanley, who's proving the point that with the correct technique and mindset, size certainly does not count on the rugby field.

Time: 0:57

Nice hit, low, midriff and drive through. good stuff.

Is he related to the legendary Joe Stanley? One of my favourite centers of all time.

By Anonymous, at May 11, 2008 10:25 am
I don't know...maybe.Yes,it was a quality hit.Hrad,low...great!

By Anonymous, at May 11, 2008 10:34 am
Why was it called back? Great hit. Top qualitaet!

By Anonymous, at May 11, 2008 10:59 am
He is indeed related to the great Joe! He tackles hard for a little kid doesn't he?

It was called back for offside, being in front of the kicker.

RD, any chance of getting the hit on Evans by the Highlanders 15 (sorry, didn't catch his name) that occured after 10-15 minutes? It was a fantastic bit of defence!

By Anonymous, at May 11, 2008 11:32 am
great hit, shame he was offside

By Anonymous, at May 11, 2008 12:15 pm
Great hit, like the other comments shame he was offside...

ummm

any relation to lesley Vainikolo?

By No.7, at May 11, 2008 2:11 pm
a BEAUTY!! great hiT!!

By Anonymous, at May 11, 2008 2:25 pm
goodNumber10 yeh he is related to Joe Stanley, watch the other video, the link is in the explaination of this video, the commentators say how "his uncle would have been proud of that one" (after a big tackle!)

By No.7, at May 11, 2008 2:43 pm
*echoes wut everybody said

Great hit...too bad offside.

By Don, at May 11, 2008 5:49 pm
dont think he was offside. the chasing players' offside line is the try line when the kicker is in goal as far as i can remember. you can see bensons scrum cap pretty much on or very near the try line

what a hit though

By Anonymous, at May 11, 2008 6:33 pm
this is far from benson's first cruncher this season. he puts in a couple every game. he had a reputation for being a big hitter before he played super14 and it's great to see that he is able to do it at the higher level as well.

By Anonymous, at May 12, 2008 1:00 am
Great tackler! How do you learn to tackle like that? is there a school or do you have to be related to a Stanley?

By George, at May 12, 2008 3:39 am
Q. How do you hit like that?
A. Its called Samoan power! LOL

PS: Those in England should watch out for Benson's cousins plying their way through your England age grade representative teams..Mike & Sam Stanley (I won't detail the poaching of Samoan talent in the Engerland ranks...)

By Anonymous, at May 12, 2008 1:43 pm
hmmm...

I don't think that this Vainikolo is related to Lesley,i mean it's a preety often name to hear down on new zealand,samoa,tonga...

By Anonymous, at May 13, 2008 4:06 pm
Do you guys not read the article, but then still insist on posting questions?

"Vainikolo, who is incidently no relation to England's namesake Lesley..."

By Anonymous, at May 13, 2008 5:22 pm
LOVE the way Benson gets straight back up - as if it was no effort at all. Brilliant tackle.

By Anonymous, at May 13, 2008 5:28 pm
So Lesley Vainikolo is not related to this vainikolo,no.7.

p.s.huge hit!

By Anonymous, at May 13, 2008 9:08 pm
thats a geat hit but his one agenst george smith is the best! ! !
i think he is the best 12 in new zeland at this moment in time and he should play agenst england. what you think? ?
x

By Anonymous, at May 14, 2008 1:01 am
just like to point out stanley weighs 96kg, not exactly what most of us would call a small guy, but still great tackle

By Anonymous, at June 13, 2008 5:29 pm
QUOTE:"RD, any chance of getting the hit on Evans by the Highlanders 15 (sorry, didn't catch his name) that occured after 10-15 minutes? It was a fantastic bit of defence!"

the hit was made by Paul Williams i believe, another player of Samoan decent, son of former all black brian williams who was samoan. ALU SAMOA

By Anonymous, at June 17, 2008 3:01 pm
Pretty good hit from Stanley it has to be said
However, i didn't like the way Vainkolo ran into that, slightly leaned back and not at full pace. I reckon it was a balance between a quality hit and poor technique from V. that made such an excellent video!

By Anonymous, at August 06, 2008 5:38 pm
Did he not lead with his shoulder?
Seems like he only put his arms up as an afterthought...

By Tom, at February 23, 2010 12:37 pm