Sunday, October 11, 2009
James Haskell great tackle on Census Johnston
It seems to be doing the trick so far, as the 24 year old has already shown a marked improvement in his form and in Stade's 9-9 draw with Toulouse in Round 8, he made his impact felt a few minutes from time.
Coming on as a sub, Haskell made this incredible hit on the 135kg front rower Census Johnston.
The score was tied at 9-9 at the time, with 2 minutes left, so the Toulouse coaching staff were furious at the ref for allowing the hit, as they had hoped a kickable penalty would be awarded for a 'tip' tackle. It was deemed legal though, and the match ended as a draw.
Against Edinburgh this weekend, Haskell made a nuisance of himself all day as the men from Paris won the match 33-7. He was involved in multiple turnovers and played a part in two of their tries, and almost scored his own, but was held up over the line.
Playing in a revitalised Stade Francais side, James Haskell looks to be making all the right moves towards reclaiming his place in the England team. Come the end of the year, we may well see him lose the dynamic pink for the slightly less glamorous, but far more cherished white.
James Haskell at Stade Francais in Paris
Posted at 4:36 pm | 28 comments
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Viewing 28 comments
Anonymous October 11, 2009 4:43 pm

John F October 11, 2009 5:38 pm

Anonymous October 11, 2009 7:28 pm

Anonymous October 11, 2009 7:44 pm

felipe October 11, 2009 8:44 pm

Anonymous October 11, 2009 8:54 pm

Anonymous October 11, 2009 9:49 pm

Jeffrey October 11, 2009 10:12 pm

jamestheconvict October 11, 2009 10:32 pm

Tommo October 11, 2009 10:36 pm

Not even close to a spear tackle.
And you can't tell someone's weight by just looking at them Jeffrey.
Pitseleh October 11, 2009 10:49 pm

Totally agree.
Anonymous October 11, 2009 10:54 pm

Alexander October 11, 2009 11:18 pm

Anonymous October 11, 2009 11:34 pm

Anonymous October 11, 2009 11:36 pm

WelshOsprey October 12, 2009 12:08 am

Andrew October 12, 2009 2:46 am

winnie October 12, 2009 4:45 am

Tommo October 12, 2009 6:02 am

WTF???
Who are you kidding?
I garuntee you've never played rugby in your life.
It's rugby, they try to hurt each other. Go watch soccer or something.
Hackney Griffin October 12, 2009 2:53 pm

That was close to a spear, because Haskell lifts Johnson, and twists him so Johnsons head is level with his hips. Haskell then drives the player to the ground.
It is legal.
However, had Haskell twisted him anymore, so that Johnson's neck, not upper arm, was driven into the ground it would have been a spear and illegal.
There is a fine line between a legal dump and a spear... players choosing to take both legs and lift as Haskell does have been told by the IRB that they are responsible for what happens next.
Given the momentum involved in these hits, and the strength of modern players, hitting like this will occasionally result in players looking for a dump going too far.
Regarding the second player coming into the tackle, while he may have exacerbated the twist, Haskell made the choice to lift Johnson, and is threrfore responsible for him.
Given the dangers of driving a player into the ground by his neck or head the IRB have got the ruling spot on on this...
Tommo October 12, 2009 10:18 pm

This was fine, Johnson virtually congratulated Haskell on the tackle.
cheyanqui October 14, 2009 4:38 pm

The rule is there to protect not just the spine, but also the shoulder and elbow. If Johnston falls onto his elbow, with the weight of 1-2 tacklers, it could be nasty.
That said, glad to see the refs let this go at the pro level. Perhaps something at the age grades you call more strictly.















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