Thursday, September 18, 2008
Matt Banahan launches into James Simpson-Daniel
It was an awful day for Bath flyhalf Butch James, who looked anything but himself as he failed to kick five placekicks in a row, and then had a clearing kick charged down which resulted in a try for Gloucester.
Gloucester took full advantage, and the resultant victory was sweet after their disappointing loss to Leicester a week prior.
Big Bath wing Matt Banahan was one who did please the home crowd though as he had a few strong runs, and then this cracking hit on James Simpson-Daniel that grew groans from the faithful at the Rec.
The big hit followed a fantastic covering tackle from fullback Nick Abendanon on big Lesley Vainikolo. A tackle that, for some, could even be more impressive than Banahan smashing the little guy.
So while Abendanon showed little regard for his body and brilliantly took Big Les out at the legs, the 6ft7 Banahan used all his power to simply launch into Simpson-Daniel, rocking him back in a mismatch that proved to be a fairly spectacular looking tackle.
Simpson-Daniel, being the type of player that he is, got his revenge though later in the game after Banahan looked in on goal, but was denied when the little guy tracked him down and made a great defensive tackle.
Good rugby all round, except the goal kicking that is.
:: Related Posts ::
Outstanding James Simpson-Daniel try vs the Barbarians in 2002
Matt Banahan flattens Brent Russell
Outstanding James Simpson-Daniel try vs the Barbarians in 2002
Matt Banahan flattens Brent Russell
Posted at 7:14 am | 13 comments
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Viewing 13 comments
felix September 18, 2008 11:59 am
banahan plays wing not centre. though he's built like a second row. i think he's all hype really - much rather have a lightning quick smaller wing than a big muscular one.
Anonymous September 18, 2008 12:00 pm
"Was put... to... the floor... like... ... ... he was taking part in judo"Terrible commentry lol.
Felly September 18, 2008 12:26 pm
That's what rugby is all about to me. Take a bow Abendanon, its not about how big or strong you are, its about how brave you are, Abendanon taking the africaan approach, love it!!
Jammy September 18, 2008 1:24 pm
Banaham came to Bath from Jersey as a second row, but his pace saw him moved to the wing. Awesome tackle from the big man and equally as good from Abendanon, no one can run without his legs.
RuckOff September 18, 2008 3:35 pm
With all the criticism Butch James is recieving, one has to look at his season so far. By no means am i defending some poor kicking (particularaly the one in front of the posts) but James has played almost 11 months of solid rugby. Whilst many people had a lovely summer break between guinness premiership seasons, butch played in some small competition called the tri-nations before going straight back to the guinness premiership. I think he can be let off for one poor match as the bloke must be absolutely exhausted.
Greiffel September 18, 2008 3:37 pm
ta felix.. early morning writing - not good.
Anonymous September 18, 2008 11:46 pm
i personally think he should get his shot at call up - i think he's as good as anything we've got already....as far as england wingers are concerned i would say Strettle, Sackey, Banahan, Vainikolo are all pretty much equal. i dont think Varndell is good enough. im still not certain about j.s. daniel either although i would like to see him get a shot and really prove the doubters wrong. M
FrankyH September 19, 2008 12:02 pm
Sweet hit. I was waiting to see this, thanks. He's a monster that banahan. hopefully we'll see him for eng soon.
Simon September 20, 2008 11:52 am
Ruckoff. No doubt about why james is off. I doubt anyone has said any different. Hes a world cup winner hes no bad player. Bath know this aswell he has been brilliant for them at times. He'l take a week or 2 off or from the bench then come back as himself
nico September 20, 2008 2:43 pm
Geeeez.... The first tackle by Abendanon on Big Les was definitely a cracker. From my perspective, definitely more impressive that Banahan's. I was frankly surprised by how quickly he went back to his feet. I actually know a couple of players who dislocated their shoulder on similar occasions...Looking forward to seeing more of Abendanon.
jeppy89 November 02, 2008 3:45 am
i just love the commentry at the end, sinbad is not little he is short he is anything but little hes a tank
Anonymous August 24, 2009 12:46 pm
Banahan gets a lot of bad reviews, but he's a good player, runs good lines and hits big. Most of all though, he's pretty unique, and damn hard to defend against.-His size and pace mean that the opposition are always gonna have to over prepare, because fact is, a 13 stone winger will most likely struggle in defence. and you cant teach tall, cross field kicks, 9/10 times he'll come down with them
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