IT WAS A tough day for the Saffers both literally, they were beaten at the death by Australia, and figuratively; Duane Vermeulen caught Australia’s James Slipper unaware and levelled him with this phenomenal tackle. Inexplicably (for me at least), George Clancy penalised Vermeulen for a high tackle. What do you think?
Ah, the blindside tackle. Today’s iteration reminds me off this smash from Rocky Elsom, who had to be at least five yards offside.
Vermeulen’s tackle wasn’t the only bone-cruncher this weekend. Samu Manoa was like a lumberjack as he chopped down Billy Twelvetrees (too many tree references?) in Northampton’s win over Gloucester last night.
But it wasn’t just a weekend of poor unfortunate souls being pulverised. Rene Ranger took a break from RearRangering Top 14 players to share this touching moment with Rory Kockott.
Sure, rugby is a contact sport, but that doesn’t mean the contact can’t be intimate now and again.
