Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Ma'a Nonu absolutely slaughters Ben Blair

The 2004 Super 12 game between the Hurricanes and the Highlanders produced one of the biggest hits ever to be seen on a rugby field. It looked like man against child when Ma'a Nonu lined up Ben Blair and smashed him into next week.

Blair took a while to get up after being flipped onto his back like a rag doll. You'd too after having the wind knocked out of you with a hit like that.

I think commentator Murray Mexted describes it best when watching the replay -
'Would Mr & Mrs Blair please turn the television set off...'

SIDENOTE: We managed to dig this one out of the vaults thanks too it being listed in the Requests section here on RD, so if you think of any other classics please list them there.
Also, thanks to the guy who asked for it. Enjoy watching it again. I know I certainly did.

Labels: Ma'a Nonu

Ma'a Nonu shoulder charge on Gavin Henson

This clip is from a high quality game between the All Blacks and Wales from Nov 2004. Exciting counter-attack and venture from both sides, as well as some brutal defensive work.

All Black centre Ma'a Nonu gets a little overeager however, and obliterates Welshmen Gavin Henson with a shoulder after he kicks it.

He gets the 10 mins in the sin bin to think about how to use his arms in future.

Labels: Ma'a Nonu

Ma'a Nonu spear tackle on Darcy

Ma'a Nonu somehow escaped further punishment after this tackle on Gordon Darcy in 2005. The commitee ruled that the refs penalty and the subsequent chat was enough.

Nonu was booed by Irish fans still incensed at the incident during the Lions tour of New Zealand this year when their captain Brian O'Driscoll was hit by a double tackle in the opening minute of the first test.

Both coaches condemned Nonu's tackle after the game.

"We don't want those sorts of things happening in the game," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry. "I know they're not done deliberately but we need to try and make sure they don't happen."

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said D'Arcy had been turned upside down.

"It's not safe to do that to anybody," he said. "It's not a pretty sight and a bit scary to see."