Monday, August 10, 2009
Bakkies Botha big hit on Berrick Barnes at Newlands
Springboks locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield notched up their record 50th Test as a combination against the Wallabies on the weekend in Cape Town.
Widely regarded as the best locking partnership in world rugby, they compliment each other well, with one forming the core of an incredible lineout, and the other, acting as a human wrecking ball around the park. It works well.
"Because I clean out for two players at rucks, Victor doesnt have to clean out, while his value is in other areas where Im not so good," said Botha, speaking ahead of the Test against Australia at Newlands.
"I do what I do best and he does what he does best. As a combination it brings calmness because we know each other so well and compliment each others styles.
"Its a big occasion for us, but most importantly its not about records but making a difference to the team," Botha said.
He certainly made a difference with this hit, as he lined up the far smaller Barnes and flattened him, showing that the enforcer will always find a way to make his impact felt in the big games.
It was a rough couple of days for Barnes. Take a look at what happened to him during training, the day before the match, here .
Time: 01:07
Posted at 9:22 pm | 61 comments
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Posted in Big Hits & Dirty Play
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Viewing 61 comments
durrie August 10, 2009 8:44 pm
Was a great tackle...watched him like a hawk and had him covered in every single way...
Then...BOOOOOM...
Gotta love the forwards getting one over the backs...
Then...BOOOOOM...
Gotta love the forwards getting one over the backs...
Ben August 10, 2009 8:51 pm
I'm not a big fan of him but I'm starting to like him because of that frickin' huge tackle although to be fair, Barne's tiny by comparison.
Thomas August 10, 2009 9:17 pm
My god these South African commentators were so annoying. He tackled a guy who is like half his size. Game changing stuff? The game was already closed out by then.
Erik August 10, 2009 9:57 pm
Poor barnes, he is half the size of botha...
Bakkies is one of my fav players...
Bakkies is one of my fav players...
Third Centre August 10, 2009 10:13 pm
nice one-handed catch by Du Preez at the start too. Nice tackle but the siz difference is a big factor.
Bakkies Botha is such a brilliant name
Bakkies Botha is such a brilliant name
alienhead August 10, 2009 10:18 pm
bakkies what a ledgeee! best second row in the world!
BoomShaka August 10, 2009 10:32 pm
South African commentators commentating for a South African audience.
If you think the commentary is biased, that's because it is. As are your national commentators.
If you think the commentary is biased, that's because it is. As are your national commentators.
Anonymous August 10, 2009 10:46 pm
not a bad tackle. looked worse in slow motion. how about du preez one handed catch right at the start of the clip....
Anonymous August 11, 2009 12:13 am
THE ENFORCER. Wonderful tackle, I love you Bakkies!
Elliot August 11, 2009 2:45 am
Thomas,
SA commentary may be boring, but it's no more biased than the Aussie version; I watched the game on OZ FoxSports (because I can hardly stand commentary with a SA drawl - almost as bad as our American commentary), and found myself annoyed at the blind assumptions made by Phil Kearns et al.
SA commentary may be boring, but it's no more biased than the Aussie version; I watched the game on OZ FoxSports (because I can hardly stand commentary with a SA drawl - almost as bad as our American commentary), and found myself annoyed at the blind assumptions made by Phil Kearns et al.
El August 11, 2009 3:20 am
Actually, I know this is off-topic, so if no one wants to answer it, that's fine. But what are the Aussie commentators on about when they blame the IRB for creating the South African kicking game?
Jon August 11, 2009 4:54 am
They're refering to the rules now in place.
The ELVs force teams to try and run the ball and score tries.
Under the old rules, the best, most effective and winning game plan tends to be 'kick-chase-bash'.
Also one of the few ELVs adopted, bizarley, actually leads to more kicking.
The no passing into the 22 rule means fullbacks or whoever catches it ont he edge of the 22 can't pass to a player in a better position to kick the ball downfield, and basically just have to take it into contact.
With the other ELV that was kept allowing the tackler to play the ball, you've got a situation where if you catch it on the edge of the 22 and get tackled, you're pretty much screwed. It's very hard in that situation to retain the ball, without giving away a penalty.
The Saffers have figured this out quicker than anyone and have the perfect team to exploit it.
The ELVs force teams to try and run the ball and score tries.
Under the old rules, the best, most effective and winning game plan tends to be 'kick-chase-bash'.
Also one of the few ELVs adopted, bizarley, actually leads to more kicking.
The no passing into the 22 rule means fullbacks or whoever catches it ont he edge of the 22 can't pass to a player in a better position to kick the ball downfield, and basically just have to take it into contact.
With the other ELV that was kept allowing the tackler to play the ball, you've got a situation where if you catch it on the edge of the 22 and get tackled, you're pretty much screwed. It's very hard in that situation to retain the ball, without giving away a penalty.
The Saffers have figured this out quicker than anyone and have the perfect team to exploit it.
FrankyH August 11, 2009 7:11 am
Yeah Kenny, cos of course YOUR team puts in 'normal tackles'like this all match.
Imagine Paul O'Connell making a tackle like that on someone the size of Habana. Well, firstly it would never happen because POC can barely lift his legs around the park.
If it did though, it's going to be a great hit, by a bigger, less agile man, on a small, fast stepping back.
Dont be a hater..
Imagine Paul O'Connell making a tackle like that on someone the size of Habana. Well, firstly it would never happen because POC can barely lift his legs around the park.
If it did though, it's going to be a great hit, by a bigger, less agile man, on a small, fast stepping back.
Dont be a hater..
Anonymous August 11, 2009 8:20 am
Nice tackle. You'd love to have him on your team and you'd hate to play against him.
On the commentating front, I would say English commentators are the opposite and seem to be biased against England.
On the commentating front, I would say English commentators are the opposite and seem to be biased against England.
Kenny August 11, 2009 8:52 am
Yeah Kenny, cos of course YOUR team puts in 'normal tackles'like this all match.
Imagine Paul O'Connell making a tackle like that on someone the size of Habana. Well, firstly it would never happen because POC can barely lift his legs around the park.
If it did though, it's going to be a great hit, by a bigger, less agile man, on a small, fast stepping back.
Dont be a hater..
Yes thats right Franky im Irish and SA (the most evil team in the world!!!!) were playing Australia,
Can you please tell me what Ireland and POC (my pin up of rugby) has to do with the game or even that tackle?????
Its OK...ill tell you in case your a bit slow
It has f**k all to do with either so why you brought it up is your own special secret.
PS did i ever say i hate the tackle, stop trying to create an arguement that isnt there mate and grow up.
PS Ireland are way better than SA by miles and POC is the best player in the world.....
My team Ireland = way better than your team
(SARCASM = just in case you dont get it Frank)
Imagine Paul O'Connell making a tackle like that on someone the size of Habana. Well, firstly it would never happen because POC can barely lift his legs around the park.
If it did though, it's going to be a great hit, by a bigger, less agile man, on a small, fast stepping back.
Dont be a hater..
Yes thats right Franky im Irish and SA (the most evil team in the world!!!!) were playing Australia,
Can you please tell me what Ireland and POC (my pin up of rugby) has to do with the game or even that tackle?????
Its OK...ill tell you in case your a bit slow
It has f**k all to do with either so why you brought it up is your own special secret.
PS did i ever say i hate the tackle, stop trying to create an arguement that isnt there mate and grow up.
PS Ireland are way better than SA by miles and POC is the best player in the world.....
My team Ireland = way better than your team
(SARCASM = just in case you dont get it Frank)
Jon August 11, 2009 9:01 am
English commentators are most definatley not bias against England.
Listening to them gives me the shits. Every time an English player does something it's the greatest play in the history of rugby.
But it's to be expected, all commentators are bias towards their own country.
To be honest I don't think the Saffers are all that bad, as far is it goes. They're reasonably neutral most of the time.
Listening to them gives me the shits. Every time an English player does something it's the greatest play in the history of rugby.
But it's to be expected, all commentators are bias towards their own country.
To be honest I don't think the Saffers are all that bad, as far is it goes. They're reasonably neutral most of the time.
Anonymous August 11, 2009 9:48 am
Have you ever heard one of Moore's rants? they may be crap commentators but i wouldn't say they were biased. Quite the opposite.
Anonymous August 11, 2009 10:01 am
I'm a bit worried that this young Aussie team is going to peak for the 2011 World Cup. Some of their youngsters look pretty good, they need to fill out a bit though.
And the Aussies are the last team i want to win the world cup.
And the Aussies are the last team i want to win the world cup.
Anonymous August 11, 2009 10:11 am
To the anon above: don't worry bout that, because the BOKS will win it!
Jon August 11, 2009 10:12 am
They're English, so they complain about everything, but they're also bias.
When an English player does something good they're so effusive in their praise it's ridiculous.
They often dismiss the other teams' efforts and imply bad sportsmanship or blatant cheating.
Just like every other country's commentators.
When an English player does something good they're so effusive in their praise it's ridiculous.
They often dismiss the other teams' efforts and imply bad sportsmanship or blatant cheating.
Just like every other country's commentators.
Anonymous August 11, 2009 11:02 am
Hillarious. It's usually my team is better than your team.
Now it's "my commentators are better than your commentators".
Now it's "my commentators are better than your commentators".
waffler August 11, 2009 11:39 am
Great tackle bakkies "justice" botha!!! hahahahahaha SA embarrassed themselves with that justice bullshit hahaha , bakkies is great but his off the ball bad sportsmanship is what makes him just another redneck boer.
Oh and as for english commentators they are the worst in the whole world, i even know english guys that watch the game with the tv down and music on the radio up!!!
Oh and as for english commentators they are the worst in the whole world, i even know english guys that watch the game with the tv down and music on the radio up!!!
FrankyH August 11, 2009 11:55 am
Kenny my little pal, I'm saying that your comment came from it not being a tackle from your team/player. In other words, if it was your hero who made the hit, you'd be creaming your shorts. ie: your comment was absolute BS because as a 'neutral', how on earth could you say that was a 'normal' tackle??
It was a pretty big, impressive tackle. Your opinion is flawed, imo ;)
It was a pretty big, impressive tackle. Your opinion is flawed, imo ;)
Wessel August 11, 2009 12:13 pm
I have noticed it here and on other rugby boards how Irish supporters in particular hate the Boks.
Here is another example by Kenny: "Yes thats right Franky im Irish and SA (the most evil team in the world!!!!) were playing Australia,"
I guess is that Kenny thinks all white South Africans are colonialists and therefore are evil - especially when viewed through Irish eyes. Conveniently forgetting of course about Australia, NZ and the good all USa which they themselves helped colonise.
What I suspect Kenny and co does not realise is the similarities oh how these 'red neck' boers have themselves be discriminated against by 'civilised' English South Africa - in much the same way the Irish have and sometimes worse.
The very fact that Afrikaners (or Boers) as you love to call them play and love rugby so has got everything to do with the death and destruction of the 2nd Anglo Boer War.
Kenny, my advice to you is go and read South Africa's history from 1600 to present day.
It will be a revelation. And then go tell your Irish mates about it as well.
Here is another example by Kenny: "Yes thats right Franky im Irish and SA (the most evil team in the world!!!!) were playing Australia,"
I guess is that Kenny thinks all white South Africans are colonialists and therefore are evil - especially when viewed through Irish eyes. Conveniently forgetting of course about Australia, NZ and the good all USa which they themselves helped colonise.
What I suspect Kenny and co does not realise is the similarities oh how these 'red neck' boers have themselves be discriminated against by 'civilised' English South Africa - in much the same way the Irish have and sometimes worse.
The very fact that Afrikaners (or Boers) as you love to call them play and love rugby so has got everything to do with the death and destruction of the 2nd Anglo Boer War.
Kenny, my advice to you is go and read South Africa's history from 1600 to present day.
It will be a revelation. And then go tell your Irish mates about it as well.
Wessel August 11, 2009 12:22 pm
Bakkies does cover a lot of ground for a big man.
creggs08 August 11, 2009 12:39 pm
wait why is everybody saying that all irish people hate the boks!!
i myself am irish (name might of given it away) and i thinki Bakkies is an unreal player and was very hard done by against the lions!!
but just thinking....how great would botha feel after destroying barnes in that tackle......
doesn't matter size difference no matter where you play on the field if you put in a tackle like that its always gona make you smile XD
i myself am irish (name might of given it away) and i thinki Bakkies is an unreal player and was very hard done by against the lions!!
but just thinking....how great would botha feel after destroying barnes in that tackle......
doesn't matter size difference no matter where you play on the field if you put in a tackle like that its always gona make you smile XD
Kenny August 11, 2009 12:54 pm
wessel i was being sarcastic!!!!
Get over it and save your history lessons for when you go back to school mate lol.
Talk about taking everything wrong.
Ireland havent a patch on SA, I even made it clear i was being SARCASTIC and you still didnt get it!!!~????
Franky I comment on whatever clip is shown, not in comparison to what country team i follow, just what i see on the clip.
Hence me commenting on the tackle in question, not "POC would have done way better than Bakkies there, hes crap Ireland are way better than South Africa!!"
Did i actually put that in my comment = no.
Did you think i did = yes.
Why?? = who knows and at this stage who cares....
If you dont like my comments (even the ones you imagine in your little imagination), tough s**t!!!!!
Get over it and save your history lessons for when you go back to school mate lol.
Talk about taking everything wrong.
Ireland havent a patch on SA, I even made it clear i was being SARCASTIC and you still didnt get it!!!~????
Franky I comment on whatever clip is shown, not in comparison to what country team i follow, just what i see on the clip.
Hence me commenting on the tackle in question, not "POC would have done way better than Bakkies there, hes crap Ireland are way better than South Africa!!"
Did i actually put that in my comment = no.
Did you think i did = yes.
Why?? = who knows and at this stage who cares....
If you dont like my comments (even the ones you imagine in your little imagination), tough s**t!!!!!
Anonymous August 11, 2009 12:57 pm
So who would you rather Bakkies Botha or Martin Johnson?
morgan August 11, 2009 12:57 pm
So a massive bloke hits an off balance little bloke looking to pass and its seen as a massive hit? Lewswy on Burke, thats a hit - this is juts a big guy leaning into a smaller guy. Oh and guess what? the tackled player is not looking at Bottha, the king of cheap shots.
Anonymous August 11, 2009 1:09 pm
It's a good tackle, but yeah, you'd expect that from Botha and Barnes.
And Lewsey on Rogers was a very good tackle too, but Rogers got a hospital pass.
And Lewsey on Rogers was a very good tackle too, but Rogers got a hospital pass.
Kenny August 11, 2009 1:15 pm
"It's a good tackle, but yeah, you'd expect that from Botha and Barnes."
Exactly my point, i would have been very surprised if Botha had missed the tackle.
Still, doing his duty which i cannot find fault with.
But huge tackle its not, just more of a weight diffence imho.
(Nothing to do with Paul O Connell, the lions or Ireland....and i have nothing against SA, btw)
Exactly my point, i would have been very surprised if Botha had missed the tackle.
Still, doing his duty which i cannot find fault with.
But huge tackle its not, just more of a weight diffence imho.
(Nothing to do with Paul O Connell, the lions or Ireland....and i have nothing against SA, btw)
Anonymous August 11, 2009 1:20 pm
morgan..
this is rugby, would you like botha to pause next time and excuse himself to get barnes' attention before tackling him?
this is rugby, would you like botha to pause next time and excuse himself to get barnes' attention before tackling him?
FrankyH August 11, 2009 1:39 pm
One of the best things about rugby, is the fact that big guys can smash little guys, and little guys can run circles around big guys. It's what makes it a great game for all involved. So when a little guy steps a big guy, it's awesome. When a big guy smashes a little guy, it's awesome.
Maybe I love the sport too much, and 'please easily'. Thanks for the clip RD, I personally enjoyed it anyway.
PS: Berrick Barnes is a class act at such a young age. Him, Lachie Turner, James O'Connor, and then Giteau.. they're going to be around for a long time to come, and once the click, will terrorise defences for many a year.
Maybe I love the sport too much, and 'please easily'. Thanks for the clip RD, I personally enjoyed it anyway.
PS: Berrick Barnes is a class act at such a young age. Him, Lachie Turner, James O'Connor, and then Giteau.. they're going to be around for a long time to come, and once the click, will terrorise defences for many a year.
Anonymous August 11, 2009 2:49 pm
Franky - agreed. I'm not looking forward to it though becasue i'm not an Aussie.
Kipsta August 11, 2009 4:56 pm
Bakkies got enforced by Sheridan but kudos to the fat man!
Kipsta August 11, 2009 4:56 pm
Bakkies got enforced by Sheridan but kudos to the fat man!
cp85 August 11, 2009 7:59 pm
Errrr...anyone watching Sky Sports for the rugby here in the UK? SA commentators are ridiculous, don't even try that English commentators bull. Think Brian Moore is one of the few english commentators and he is just too passionate, scottish commentator always lays into him.
JP August 11, 2009 10:31 pm
CAN ANYONE PLEASE SHOW ME A CLIP OF A LOCK RUNNING AROUND THE PARK,PLANNING A TACKING AND EXECUTING IT SO PERFECTLY??????
NO....YOU CAN NOT,SO SHUT UP.
BRILLIANT TACKLE.THE BOKS ARE BIG AND THEY MEAN BUSINESS.
NO....YOU CAN NOT,SO SHUT UP.
BRILLIANT TACKLE.THE BOKS ARE BIG AND THEY MEAN BUSINESS.
Anonymous August 11, 2009 10:32 pm
You guys don't understand what makes this a perfect tackle. Unlike those lewsey/rogers tackles, BOTHA doesn't even come in with much momentum, and he still destroys Barnes.
You guys can say what you want, truth is Botha is a World Cup winner, Lions series winner, 2x super 14 champ, 1 time Trinations champ.
Enforcer.
You guys can say what you want, truth is Botha is a World Cup winner, Lions series winner, 2x super 14 champ, 1 time Trinations champ.
Enforcer.
Jon August 12, 2009 3:33 am
Of course he is, and this an excellent tackle. Botha is probably the best second rower in the world.
What impresses me about his defending is his mobility.
But don't be sos sensitive, all people are saying is you would expect Barnes to get knocked over by Botha.
What impresses me about his defending is his mobility.
But don't be sos sensitive, all people are saying is you would expect Barnes to get knocked over by Botha.
Anonymous August 12, 2009 9:09 am
Er to someone above who claimed it was. That was not even nearly as good as Lewsey/Rogers tackle.
Anonymous August 12, 2009 10:06 am
To the above ass - would love to see you say that to botha's face...my thoughts exactly!
Anonymous August 12, 2009 10:06 am
Er, no IT WAS MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN ANY OF THEIR TACKLES!!!!
Anonymous August 12, 2009 10:07 am
All of those slamming Botha - you would all love to have him in your team and YOU KNOW IT!!!
Anonymous August 12, 2009 10:10 am
Noone is slamming Botha, i'd love him in my team. Was just disagreeing that it was better than the Lewsey/Rogers tackle. As far as saying it to his face he'd probably agree with me, he loves that shit. Chill man, no need to be so angry.
Anonymous August 12, 2009 10:31 am
wasnt that big.no actual "hit" barnnes looked fine after.
bakkies overated (at the moment), look waht shaw (39 yo) did to him with lions
bakkies overated (at the moment), look waht shaw (39 yo) did to him with lions
Bill August 12, 2009 10:33 am
Did to him? Shaw played well for an old man, but he didn't do anything at all to Botha. That was the game that Botha put Jones into hospital right? So he was doing just fine.
Jesus, you'd think the Lions had won the game and the series with the way people talk about it.
Jesus, you'd think the Lions had won the game and the series with the way people talk about it.
morgan August 12, 2009 10:42 am
Bill,
Thats the thing - there are no bragging rights about a man who takes a run up and hits an already formed ruck, against a player that is not even looking at him and then breaking his shoulder. Bakkies is an incredible player, playing in probably the best S.A team ever. What he is not is some sort of all time hard man. Everything tends to be after the ball has gone and when the other player is not expecting it. Shaw completely outplayed him in the second test, may be a one off, but on that day, Shaw was the better. + he did it without having to claim that God was on his side.
Thats the thing - there are no bragging rights about a man who takes a run up and hits an already formed ruck, against a player that is not even looking at him and then breaking his shoulder. Bakkies is an incredible player, playing in probably the best S.A team ever. What he is not is some sort of all time hard man. Everything tends to be after the ball has gone and when the other player is not expecting it. Shaw completely outplayed him in the second test, may be a one off, but on that day, Shaw was the better. + he did it without having to claim that God was on his side.
Bill August 12, 2009 11:51 am
Shaw played very well, but in my opinion, Botha was better overall and contributed more to his team.
Every player hits the ruck without binding half the time. IT's the way rucking is, and if Jones hadn't been injured, it just would have been one more ruck cleared by Botha.
His defence is amazing at times and he clears rucks better than anyone around.
Shaw had one great game, all the more impressive because of his age.
But Botha does it every week. Right now, he's a much better player.
And I'm not South African, by the way.
Every player hits the ruck without binding half the time. IT's the way rucking is, and if Jones hadn't been injured, it just would have been one more ruck cleared by Botha.
His defence is amazing at times and he clears rucks better than anyone around.
Shaw had one great game, all the more impressive because of his age.
But Botha does it every week. Right now, he's a much better player.
And I'm not South African, by the way.
morgan August 12, 2009 12:27 pm
All cool Bill - we will have to see how Shaw does in the 6 nations to know if that form will continue, but there is no question as to how good BB is. I know we all counter ruck and have a pop now and again, its just when you watch it, BB takes a look, lines a man up and charges him. I just dont think that constitutes for a particuly hard man. And why should we not go on about the Lions tour. It was brilliant, they won just x 2 and the Lions dicked them x 1. All with some incredible drama and some of the best rugby seen in recent years. Certainly better than the crap being played at the tri nations games recently.
Wessel August 12, 2009 1:05 pm
Morgan says : "Bakkies is an incredible player, playing in probably the best S.A team ever."
Perhaps you could argue that for post 1994. Perhaps. Although some would say the 1998 vintage was better.
But this team is still not as good as the team of Ray Mordt, Danie Gerber, Divan Serfontein, Uli, Carel du Plessis, Johan Heunis and Naas Botha.
And the Boks pre 1956 had never ever lost a test series. Home or away. They are still someway off that kind of domination.
Perhaps you could argue that for post 1994. Perhaps. Although some would say the 1998 vintage was better.
But this team is still not as good as the team of Ray Mordt, Danie Gerber, Divan Serfontein, Uli, Carel du Plessis, Johan Heunis and Naas Botha.
And the Boks pre 1956 had never ever lost a test series. Home or away. They are still someway off that kind of domination.
morgan August 12, 2009 1:44 pm
Good work Wessel - you sure know your Springbok history. Yes, I just meant in living memory, mine being about 25 years if you discount the first 7 years of my life when I was not into rugby. SA at present just dont seem to have a weak point and now have this fly half who kicks everything going, I cannot seem them loosing for a while. they remind me most of the England World Cup team, just not as good looking but much more God.
Anonymous August 13, 2009 7:08 pm
When it comes to comentating it's got to be Brian 'tell it like it is' Moore and Jonathan 'what's going on and where am I' Edwards, awesome combo.
Then there's Austin 'see ho many times I can mention a world cup winners medal' Healey.
Sack captain boring Guscott and BBC are onto something.
Then there's Austin 'see ho many times I can mention a world cup winners medal' Healey.
Sack captain boring Guscott and BBC are onto something.
Anonymous August 16, 2009 12:12 pm
The man is just a legend, im not even south african but i still think he is the best lock in the world at the moment!
rookvdskyf April 12, 2013 1:01 pm
There is nothing more satisfying than seeing an Auzzie receiving what is earned and to enjoy the undulated power of the enforcer enforcing were it is sorely needed in inspirational. Bakkies, hou so aan groot seun, hou so aan. Bakkies for president!!!!!
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