Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Casey Laulala's great individual try against Connacht

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Casey Laulala's great individual try against Connacht

Cardiff Blues center Casey Laulala came back from injury to score this classy try against Connacht in the Magners League last week. The Blues won the game 22-6 at home, going top of the table before before overtaken by Munster on the weekend.

Laulala earned the Man of the Match award in a game where he showed his quality in his first game back after being stretchered off the field against the Dragons just two weeks ago. He showed no sign of ill effects from the knock, instead dazzling the defense with a neat dummy then a fantastic step to beat the cover.

"I just held the ball and luckily enough it opened up for me and I just had to finish it off. It’s up there with one of the best tries I’ve scored," said the former All Black.

New man in the team, Dan Parks, has really taken to Laulala and admits he’s now one of this biggest fans, relishing the opportunity to play alongside the talented Kiwi.

"When the half-back came across, you just knew he was going to step inside him," said Parks. "That try got us that good cushion and we were never in danger from there, so it was pretty special.

"He’s just fantastic. When he gets a bit of space, it’s really good to watch. He just makes you smile standing back and watching him. You see his skills in training and the level of prowess he’s got and it’s just a joy to play alongside him. He is full of skills. He’s a fantastic guy as well.

"I’ve only played a few games with Casey and I’m looking forward to more and more. It’s really good stuff," added the Scotland international.

Time: 01:23

first :) lovely try

By Anonymous, at October 06, 2010 10:39 pm
laulalalala is awesome, lucky we got fruen to replace him =]

By Anonymous, at October 06, 2010 10:49 pm
Looking forwards to entertaining these boys at the Gardens before the end of the year!

By Matthew, at October 07, 2010 12:18 am
why do people think this guy is good? Just because he's a kiwi? He wasn't even a regular for the over rated abs.

By Wales baby, at October 07, 2010 2:40 am
why do people think this guy is good? Just because he's a kiwi? He wasn't even a regular for the over rated abs.

By Wales baby, at October 07, 2010 2:40 am
Over rated allblacks? clean sweep over the top nations and going for a record in most consecutive wins hadly warrents the tag 'overrated'. I'd say anyone that can make it into that team deserves recognition, and people rate casey because he is an amazing balance between power and balance, fantastic runner

By Jeremy, at October 07, 2010 3:59 am
Big deal England won against oz in June and SA are average, so no mean feat there. Anyone can make the abs. I can name about 2 teams worth of players from the UK will easily walk into the abs team.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 4:08 am
There's some skill for you!

By Juggernauter, at October 07, 2010 4:24 am
" Wales baby said...

why do people think this guy is good? Just because he's a kiwi? He wasn't even a regular for the over rated abs."

I think this clip shows why people think he's good! AB's over rated....haha you are an idiot, and clearly don't have the right to call AB's over rated if your from wales! I'm a NH man myself too but come on...welsh people calling AB's over rated....glass houses.

"Big deal England won against oz in June and SA are average, so no mean feat there. Anyone can make the abs. I can name about 2 teams worth of players from the UK will easily walk into the abs team."

again complete rubbish, England didnt win that match, AUS lost it because of a bad kick infront of the posts, it's not exactly a convincing win....and seriously 2 teams worth of plays who could walk into the ABS...back that up, you dont even need to name 2 full 22 squads.....lets go for 30 players: Back up you claim or don't bother commenting back!

By realistic NH player, at October 07, 2010 4:54 am
"Wales baby said...
why do people think this guy is good? Just because he's a kiwi? He wasn't even a regular for the over rated abs."

He was playing one of his best seasons for the Crusaders when he left, would have been on the radar for the AB's end of year tour if he stayed around.

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 5:03 am
Sheridan
Thompson
Payne
Hartley
Shaw
Haskell
Moody
Croft
Flood
J.W
Foden
Ashton
Cueto
Easter
Youngs
J.Roberts
S.Williams
L.Halfpenny
Jenkins
BOD
P.Oconnor
Bowe

I could go on and on.

Ma'a or Roberts? Roberts, Mils or Bowe? Bowe, Dagg or Halfpenny? Halfpenny. Sheridan or Woodcock? Sheridan. Moody or MaCaw? Moody. Foden or Dagg? Foden

This is based on pure skill not what team you are playing for. Man for man the UK guys out play their abs counterparts.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 5:09 am
I agree he's good for club rugby but had he stayed it's doubtful he would have been on the radar. Conrad Smith, Nonu, SBW, Toeava, Fruean, Kahui, Ranger, Mccalister, Jared Payne, Save Tokula. That's 11 better or equal to him.

I'd say Casey left NZ at just the right time to save his career from anonymity.

By Max, at October 07, 2010 5:15 am
I just don’t get why people think kiwi players are good. Lets face it they have only won world cup and their national teams tend to lose a lot these days, look at the 7’s for example the are no good anymore. Its only a matter of time before the others follow suit. Their under 20’s this year looked average and come next year I seriously doubt they will make the semi’s. They can't even get a A team together how hopeless is that.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 5:18 am
You're a troll.
Shut the fuck up and get a fucking life you sad little man.

By Bill, at October 07, 2010 5:26 am
Bill what is with the abuse? Can I not state my opinion? I am just saying what the rest of the rugby world think.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 5:27 am
Looks like Laulala is going well up north, good one you bro.

EnglandGlory4Eva you on crack or something?

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 5:34 am
Everyone do yourselves a favour, ignore this troll, he's just some tool with nothing to do.

By Bill, at October 07, 2010 5:34 am
Bill why so upset? jesus you kiwi are so sensitive when anyone mentions your beloved team.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 5:44 am
Sheridan
Thompson
Payne
Hartley
Shaw
Haskell
Moody
Croft
Flood
J.W
Foden
Ashton
Cueto
Easter
Youngs
J.Roberts
S.Williams
L.Halfpenny
Jenkins
BOD
P.Oconnor
Bowe

your joking right?

The only 3 that would actually stand a good chance on the AB's are the irish. In my opinion Bowe is better than C. Jane and O'Driscoll is a similar type of player to C.Smith but just for sheer brilliance and experience I would put BOD in there. and its spelt O'connell not O'connor..

By Unknown, at October 07, 2010 5:46 am
Anyways, great try from Casey. Very nice step

By Unknown, at October 07, 2010 5:47 am
"their national teams tend to lose a lot these days?"

WTF?

how many in a row is it? I guess its because they haven't played England for a while then?

7's? generally its for players that will never succeed at the 15s game

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 5:50 am
I don't know about you England but I'm sure our under 20's thrashed Austraila in the FINAL 62 - 12.

Yip they are def on the decline.

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 5:59 am
The abs just won against a very average and injury ridden English team. This year however the abs beater bring their A game otherwise they'll be going home crying.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 6:02 am
EnglandGlory4Eva, you are either joking or are totally delirious

no person who knows anything about rugby would dare to say ANY international english player these days would make it to the ABs

from the list of players mentioned only BOD (irish!) and JW would be able to make when at their best. although both are somewhat old by now and are not performing as they once did

about the ABs not performing... then who the hell is? i mean, who is above a team ranked number 1 in the world by the IRB and which hasnt lost for eleven matches in a row? that, btw, includes beating the second and third ranked teams (AUS and SA) every time they met during this year's tri nations

By Pipo, at October 07, 2010 7:13 am
Wow! some people just want to shit all over you when you're at the top. Can't people just appreciate the rugby instead of talking bullshit all the time? The ABs are clearly the best team in the world atm and have been consistently either the best or at the top for the last 20 years.
As an Aussie and a massive wallabies fan I'm biased and think that the wallabies are awesome and that they should win every game they play but as a realist and moderately intellectual person I know that isn't the case.
I don't understand how people can put such nationalist prejudice against logic, reason and actually watching the rugby and not the scoreboard.
Please stop arguing over this crap and just enjoy the rugby, in the meantime, we can all bullshit about how we'll win next years world cup but until it actually happens no one cares, you are not Nostradamus.

Enough Said.

By Swat, at October 07, 2010 7:15 am
when's the last time the abs (not the maoris) play the england team again?

By Jeroz, at October 07, 2010 7:19 am
Guys I'm sorry about all my silly comments. Truth be told I come from a broken home, my parents never loved me and school was a horrible time for me (bullies had a field day). I come on this site and attempt to regain my shattered confidence after a life of disappointment :(

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 7:19 am
ANYWAY!.. back to the video.

Nice quick taps and good work by the forwards to set up the field position for Laulala to show a nice dummy and step. A nice all round try.

By 2020, at October 07, 2010 7:31 am
^ see, he was just a sad little troll man. He's probably in his mid 20s, no girlfriend, dead end job.
Doesn't have enough to do, so he tries to stir people up on the net.

By Fuck you troll, at October 07, 2010 7:32 am
Wow kiwi's are so sensitive. OK then you are the best in the world, no one can beat you blah blah blah. Just can't wait till the AI when England beat the abs and everyone else then they will reclaim their rightful place at the top of the rugby food chain.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 7:34 am
Nice try Laulala, a shame we could keep him back here in nz. But a least he is doing well

By PI bro, at October 07, 2010 7:40 am
but seriously guys I know the England team hasn’t performed since the 03 world cup but it’s really hard to compete against teams who run with the ball and don’t just use their forwards to get to the 22 and then kick a drop goal. Doesn't everyone else know that the backs should only be used in defence?!?

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 7:48 am
For me... you have to win the world cup to be worth anything, these yearly competitions are just that... they're forgotten about within a year. I mean, who remembers who won the 2000 Tri-nations? The 1999 6 Nations? Not me. But who remembers who won the 95 world cup? Me.

By Toin, at October 07, 2010 8:42 am
Sorry, that would be the 5 nations*

By Toin, at October 07, 2010 8:45 am
Troll, put a sock in it. You're embarrassing yourself. Please go elsewhere. Youtube loves flame wars. Go there.

Lovely try. That first tackle wasn't great but he seemed to deceive him. The final step was bril.

Laulala should never have left NZ. He was voted by all the players around him as the most dangerous back and the hardest tackler, fact. He was very highly rated. It's nice to see him still performing well.

By Benson, at October 07, 2010 9:02 am
Winning the world cup is the pinnacle no doubt but that doesn't lessen the importance of having a great record in between. True the all blacks wont be the 'complete' team til they get over that final hurdle, but in the same vein you cant really call the springboks the world champion team atm. Winning the world cup doesnt make you the best team for 4 years.

And on your other point i sure as hell remember the 2000 Bledisloe that is easily the most exciting competition of the last 10 years, nothing has come close to that imo.

By jeremy, at October 07, 2010 9:44 am
Who could forget the 2000 Bledisloe. There was the "Greatest ever Rugby Match" and THAT KICK by John Eales to clinch the Bledisloe and Tri-Nations.

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 10:05 am
Individual try my arse! That was all about Dan Parks' pass putting him in the hole.

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 10:26 am
I've discovered this big dude in the Chazllenge Final vs Toulon.
He reminds me a bit Jauzion: a big man with great hands. He runs with intelligency.

is he AB?

By Flooz, at October 07, 2010 10:34 am
Springboks are the current world champions. Dont try and deny them dude... seriously give credit where its due the all blacks are the laughing stock of the world every 4 years we always fail on the biggest stage.... ive come to accept that and im okay with it

By Fangiarai NZ, at October 07, 2010 11:25 am
Ranger Kahui and Mccalister are all injured, AB's coaches should bend the rules and bring this boy back!

TBH he was better when he had the afro going

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 11:41 am
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 12:25 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By EnglandGlory4Eva, at October 07, 2010 1:18 pm
this guy is way better than conrad smith

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 1:40 pm
Some of the comments on RD at the moment are just ridiculous. RD - is there any way of blocking certain people from commenting based on their IP address or something? Or maybe force us all to sign in to leave comments? It's becoming less fun to use the site as a consequence of the ridiculous and sometimes offensive comments.

By Phil, at October 07, 2010 1:47 pm
@Phil
I'm not from RD but have been told by them that the new site is coming along and it should fix the problems we're all having with the trolls. I agree with you that the experience is less inviting at the moment due to the lack of real Rugby discussion but we can only live in hope that the new site arrives soon!

By 2020, at October 07, 2010 2:02 pm
Hey guys, apologies for the trolling trouble causers. Not much I can do about that when they're so determined to ruin the experience for everyone. Not quite sure why that is.

It is true that a new site is on the way though. 90% done in fact. Hoping to release it by the end of the year if all goes well. You'll hear more soon.

Until then, lets all keep things respectful, friendly, and mature please. Commenting is a privilege, not a right. There's no need for 'comment police' to waste time sifting through everything. Thanks

By GMC, at October 07, 2010 2:47 pm
Looks a handy player, surely one of the better side steps I have seen recently. Hey RD can we have a series on magic side-steps?

Anyhow...rather embarrassed by the complete fanny "EnglandGlory4Eva" as I am an England fan. @2020 and @Phil, hope you don't think all us whinging pommies are as bad as this tosser.

By NiWiTa, at October 07, 2010 3:15 pm
Great try by Laulala.

The amount of trolls on this thread!
Wales Baby- You cant be Welsh, you know so little about rugby.

By Laulalaland, at October 07, 2010 3:16 pm
haha just checked back on how the discussion was going...
EnglandGlory4Eva you only named 22 players, you couldnt even think of 30 players names....very poor effort, never mind the fact that plenty of these guys couldnt make the lions, and the better players maybe would have a shout at the ABs but would be far from "walking" on the team.
I'm an Irish fan...and as someone pointed out i think it is fair to say at the momment we are one of the stronger NH teams, and in your list there were some good Irish players.....but can i remind you we have never beaten the AB's and as much as i love my team....we would not walk onto the ABs.....

I could go on to point out another million flaws on your arguments, but i think everyone else has pointed that out well....i had a great laugh at everyones comments at you...well played lads...one idiot put back in his place.

Now maybe back to a proper rugby discussion:

what underdogs can you see upsetting a few of the bigger teams? USA I think have a shout this year?

By realistic NH player, at October 07, 2010 4:12 pm
In fairness Connacht's Tau'uso (13) should have stopped him 1st up, a nice run through and side step though!!

By ConnachtFan, at October 07, 2010 4:16 pm
Poor defence... Oh wait it's not in the SH... GREAT TRY

By Anonymous, at October 07, 2010 5:17 pm
EnglandGlory4Eva, dude you dont even know the difference between the UK and Ireland...

Man for man would anyone in your selection make the ABs?

Flood - god no.
JW - 8 years ago definitely (Carlos was woeful), now to replace Carter? No.
Anyone at 7 - you're having a laff.

3/10 for a troll attempt!

By Meridian, at October 07, 2010 10:29 pm
@realisticNHPlayer.........not sure re upsets, US is probably a good shout and I think a fired-up Tonga or Samoa might give a few of our NH teams a shock

Do you remember when Tonga gave South Africa a big scare in the last world-cup! The problem is not the commitment for many smaller teams but the conditioning of some of the players......

Probably Oz as the dark horses to win overall though

By NiWiTa, at October 08, 2010 2:00 pm
nice

By Unknown, at October 08, 2010 2:02 pm
That wasnt really that great

By Anonymous, at October 08, 2010 7:36 pm