Zinzan Brooke huge hit from the past

Regarded by many as the best number eight ever to play the game, Auckland and All Black legend Zinzan Brooke had it all - huge defence included.

We've managed to dig up this massive hit from a Super 12 game between Auckland and the Waratahs from roughly 1996. The tackle almost looks like it could be from rugby league, but, it is in fact perfectly legal.

A high shot in the tackle a little earlier gave the Waratahs a chance to spark something as the referee played advantage. Zinzan, however, shuts the NSW backline down immediately and effectively tells them, 'You can have 3 points mate, but you'll have to do better than that if you want 7.'

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Seru Rabeni wrecks Barnes and Staniforth

Replacement center Seru Rabeni was a man with a mission when he came on against the Wallabies on the weekend. The Fiji and Leicester Tigers player had a stormer, and was seen putting big hits in left, right, and most importantly - center.

Berrick Barnes was the first of his victims, feeling the full wrath of his 106kg frame as he flew at him and hit him hard. One of the biggest hits we've seen this World Cup.

Scott Staniforth came on later in the game as a replacement, and had barely spent five minutes on the field before Rabeni once again punished the Aussie backline with a hard hit, sending Staniforth back to the bench where he came from.

Rabeni illustrated how easy it is to make great, clean tackles, which are always worth seeing and great for the game. Not only that, it certainly makes the opposition look up and think twice when they have ball in hand!

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Huge hit by Gcobani Bobo results in the try for Kankowski

Gcobani Bobo was at one stage the Springboks new shining light at center. After a fantastic Super 12 in 2004, he looked destined for big things.

But not long after his call up to the senior side, disaster stuck with a number of injuries, including an injury common to rugby players, the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in his knee tore.

Bobo was out for a long time. He returned to rugby with a contract with the Sharks from Durban, but more prominently, he played for the Springbok Sevens side, achieving success with them all around the world.

He's now back playing for the Sharks in the Currie Cup, and coming off the bench on saturday against the Lions he put in two massive hits. This one, the second, jolted the ball loose for dynamic number eight Ryan Kankowski to kick ahead and show great pace to score.

As well as clips from around the world past and present, we'll be bringing you the best of the best from the World Cup as it happens in the upcoming weeks, so keep checking back for the best rugby videos on the net.

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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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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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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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