Sunday, October 03, 2010
Sharpshooter Lelia Masaga's sniping try against Wellington
It was a game played in pretty miserable conditions at Westpac Stadium in Wellington but by the end things had cleared up and both sides had managed to show their class despite the heavy track underfoot and strong wind early on.
For Bay of Plenty it was a great occasion as it was their first win there since 2001, coming about courtesy of tries to Ben Smith, Cory Aporo, and wing Masaga, who sealed it just as Wellington were attempting to get in front. They were without their All Blacks, as well as star wings Julian Savea and Hosea Gear, who are both at the Commonwealth Games.
The home side did come back into it in the second half, and seemed to have momentum but that was all but killed off as Masaga got the ball in open space from a turnover and showed Alby Mathewson a clean pair of heals to gas him down the sideline.
Its not the most incredible try youll ever see, but it shows what a guy like Masaga can do when given a bit of space. One on one, there arent too many better and Mathewson himself is certainly no slouch. In fact, the celebration alone makes it worth posting. Enjoy.
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Time: 02:02
Posted at 4:14 pm | 49 comments
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Viewing 49 comments
Anonymous October 03, 2010 3:17 pm
and by that i meant the celebration, what a god
Wolfman21 October 03, 2010 3:18 pm
Nice try, although the two defenders could have communicated with each other a bit better with one covering the line and the other ensuring Masaga can't step in.
Nice acceleration though to destroy the 9 on the outside, and sweet celebration.
Nice acceleration though to destroy the 9 on the outside, and sweet celebration.
Anonymous October 03, 2010 3:24 pm
Why didnt he just push the ball away an stay down an do it rather than getting back up then dropping?
Benson October 03, 2010 3:28 pm
Wolfman, there was a runner inside. If they'd both committed early to Masaga he could have just popped inside to the support. Give credit where credit it due. Very well taken try.
Love the sniper stuff too. :)
Love the sniper stuff too. :)
Anonymous October 03, 2010 4:05 pm
Shows you the depth in the NZ backline that a lethal finisher like Masaga isn't really even on their radar.
Alejandro October 03, 2010 4:18 pm
On 9 hesitated, you know, if you doubt these moves the result is clear, beautiful caree
Anonymous October 03, 2010 4:25 pm
Stop the showboating.
Win and score with grace and humility.
Win and score with grace and humility.
Anonymous October 03, 2010 4:30 pm
pssh yeah screw that, love the celebrations especially from this guy.
Dana October 03, 2010 4:42 pm
People call it show boating...
But I like to think of it as someone who really enjoys his rugby....
But I like to think of it as someone who really enjoys his rugby....
Juggernauter October 03, 2010 5:06 pm
This guy thinks he's top dog... As I've said before I don't like selfish celebrations, like saying "I've scored a try so now you have to watch me while I perform". You don't see forwards doing that.
Celebrations like Paulse's back flip, or guys who dedicate their tries, are cool, but this showboating, in my opinion, is just ridiculous.
Although I have to admit that were some serious wheels and a nice dive.
Cheers
Celebrations like Paulse's back flip, or guys who dedicate their tries, are cool, but this showboating, in my opinion, is just ridiculous.
Although I have to admit that were some serious wheels and a nice dive.
Cheers
Laz October 03, 2010 5:14 pm
You're such a misery Juggernauter!
How is Paulse's flip different to this? If anything it's more outrageous. And yes, we have seen forwards doing celebrations. And thirdly, who cares?! Its a bit of fun between him and his team MATES. Get over it, it's such a weak discussion. Yawn.
Great try and the celebration is good fun too.
How is Paulse's flip different to this? If anything it's more outrageous. And yes, we have seen forwards doing celebrations. And thirdly, who cares?! Its a bit of fun between him and his team MATES. Get over it, it's such a weak discussion. Yawn.
Great try and the celebration is good fun too.
Anonymous October 03, 2010 5:50 pm
forwards aren't really creative enough to think of any
Richard October 03, 2010 7:02 pm
I agree with juggernauter; it is show boating and please don't let it be part of modern days rugby. show respect to you're opponents and the game and keep it gentlemen's like.
Xavier October 03, 2010 7:09 pm
Haven't you ever seen a prop "sort of accrobaticly" dive for a try when he could have touched down with much simplicity?
Let the man celebrate. He didn't disrespect anyone, he's just having a laugh with his mates (they don't seem to mind, either). He's not playing rugby solely for your amusement, he's playing for himself and is club/teammates, too
Let the man celebrate. He didn't disrespect anyone, he's just having a laugh with his mates (they don't seem to mind, either). He's not playing rugby solely for your amusement, he's playing for himself and is club/teammates, too
Laz October 03, 2010 7:31 pm
I'd like a serious answer please as this is a serious question - where on earth does this notion come from that celebrating a try is disrespectful to your opponents? I've played and watched rugby in at least 3 different big rugby countries, and never come across such garbage.
Of course if I were to run up to the opposition and say 'In your FACE, biattttch!' then that's disrespectful. But there is nothing wrong with being happy and celebrating with your team.
In cricket if you point to the changeroom when taking a wicket, that's considered disrespectful, anything other than that is good fun. Its the same for rugby. Its never directed at opponents, so I cant understand how some people moan about it.
So seriously, I'm not going to argue, but rather debate it. I'd like a proper explanation please as I think some out there are a little misguided as to what they consider bad sportsmanship.
For me, I've never seen anything that looks ridiculous or insulting. The closest I've seen to that is Ali Williams doing the Haka. That's just embarrassing. Everything else is good fun and a bit of showmanship.
Of course if I were to run up to the opposition and say 'In your FACE, biattttch!' then that's disrespectful. But there is nothing wrong with being happy and celebrating with your team.
In cricket if you point to the changeroom when taking a wicket, that's considered disrespectful, anything other than that is good fun. Its the same for rugby. Its never directed at opponents, so I cant understand how some people moan about it.
So seriously, I'm not going to argue, but rather debate it. I'd like a proper explanation please as I think some out there are a little misguided as to what they consider bad sportsmanship.
For me, I've never seen anything that looks ridiculous or insulting. The closest I've seen to that is Ali Williams doing the Haka. That's just embarrassing. Everything else is good fun and a bit of showmanship.
marcus October 03, 2010 9:05 pm
If his tries were in proportion to his celebrations, I don't think there'd be an issue. All he did was exactly what any winger should've been able to do, but he does a little theatric routine because of it? This guy has got a huge ego, that's for sure.
But whatever, it's not a big issue or anything; I'll just be smiling any time cocky Masaga sees some reprisal in the form of a big hit put in on him.
But whatever, it's not a big issue or anything; I'll just be smiling any time cocky Masaga sees some reprisal in the form of a big hit put in on him.
Resident Troll October 03, 2010 9:17 pm
might as well throw a bit of SH vs NH into this argument thread aswell.....
SH players celebrate better than NH players...
Our celebrations are faster, cleaner and just a superior brand of celebration to the NH....
SH players celebrate better than NH players...
Our celebrations are faster, cleaner and just a superior brand of celebration to the NH....
Anonymous October 03, 2010 9:24 pm
By the sounds of things some of you guys just need to lighten up and get laid or something. Jesus it was a good try and he wants to celebrate big deal. Rugby is of course just a game and arent games meant to be fun and enjoyable?
olwakachangchang October 03, 2010 9:27 pm
masaga is awesome, he can celebrate however he likes.
He was/is on the radar, he got some game time for the ABs last year. The chiefs backline is looking good (Mils, Nanai-Williams, Masaga, Sivivatu, Kahui?, Donald, Delany, Anesi, Mikkelson, Stowers, Umaga?, Leonard) , all the NZ S15 teams in fact except Otago.
He was/is on the radar, he got some game time for the ABs last year. The chiefs backline is looking good (Mils, Nanai-Williams, Masaga, Sivivatu, Kahui?, Donald, Delany, Anesi, Mikkelson, Stowers, Umaga?, Leonard) , all the NZ S15 teams in fact except Otago.
TB October 03, 2010 10:03 pm
Laz, I disagree with you. I believe showboating is not gentlemanly and disrespectful to your opponent. I consider a choreographed celebration routine tantamount to laughing in the oppositions face, which I think is bad sportsmanship.
Also, even though this try was a great solo effort I believe rugby to be the consummate team sport. Doing a dance routine draws attention to the individual as opposed to the teammates efforts that made the try possible.
Rugby must be fun but laughing at your opposition's efforts isn't classy. Humility is still a good quality. That's just how I was trained to behave in sport.
Also, even though this try was a great solo effort I believe rugby to be the consummate team sport. Doing a dance routine draws attention to the individual as opposed to the teammates efforts that made the try possible.
Rugby must be fun but laughing at your opposition's efforts isn't classy. Humility is still a good quality. That's just how I was trained to behave in sport.
Nicko October 03, 2010 10:39 pm
As long as Masaga is scoring try's he will be celebrating and with pace like that, I'd get used to it :-)
@Juggernauter that sounds pretty hypocritical....what is difference between Masagas celebrations and Paulse's backflip exactly?
@Juggernauter that sounds pretty hypocritical....what is difference between Masagas celebrations and Paulse's backflip exactly?
Da Dum October 03, 2010 11:15 pm
that was amazing pace, Alby Mathewson burnt James O'Connor in this years super 14..... That's telling you just how quick Masaga is.
I wonder who's quicker out of him and Hosea Gear....??
I wonder who's quicker out of him and Hosea Gear....??
Anonymous October 04, 2010 1:38 am
Oh he's a spicy bitch check em crawl like a dog.
Anonymous October 04, 2010 1:45 am
AMAZING, this guy needs a re-call to the Allblacks for end of year tour.... 8 tries playing for a team who aren't known for their attacking backline is very impressive.
Especially with kick-happy Mike Delany playing five-eight and Masaga getting limited ball.
Especially with kick-happy Mike Delany playing five-eight and Masaga getting limited ball.
Anonymous October 04, 2010 2:03 am
what happen to the clip where he gassed habanaa couple years ago?? it was on youtube but got taken down a week later.. now that is pace!!
ryan October 04, 2010 2:03 am
Yeah, this cocky boy needs a callback to the AB's. Yeah that needs to happen like NZ needs more cases of skin cancer (note sarcasm). The AB's have so much talent on wing - talent that can actually defend as well - that Masaga's best hope will be dancing around for crowds at S14 matches (not that that's any small achievement, though).
JJamie October 04, 2010 2:19 am
@ Ryan, defense and linking play can be taught to a player with the right coaching.... Pace/agility cannot.
Masga will be an Allblack again, but probably not until after next years WC.
Masga will be an Allblack again, but probably not until after next years WC.
Juggernauter October 04, 2010 2:42 am
Nicko, I think Paulse's back flip was like a spontaneous celebration, like a way of saying "Geez, I'm so f***ing happy right now I might just do...this!", and then he goes and hugs his mates. But Masaga really seems to rehearse his performances in front of the mirror before hitting the pitch.
Don't get me wrong, I think he's a good player, but just by making, say, a big dive, you express your happiness for scoring a try.
You don't need to make a scene as to make sure you've got everybody's attention. This is just my opinion though so if you think otherwise that's OK.
Don't get me wrong, I think he's a good player, but just by making, say, a big dive, you express your happiness for scoring a try.
You don't need to make a scene as to make sure you've got everybody's attention. This is just my opinion though so if you think otherwise that's OK.
Anonymous October 04, 2010 4:31 am
Juggernauter is from the NH. Probably British
Ada October 04, 2010 5:14 am
You guys all need to chill, its all done with umm humour you know..... i actually wanted to know if RD could put together a Masaga try celebration highlight reel.
Its not disrespectful, its no different from any other player being tackled while scoring a try and slamming the ball off the opponents head.
Its not disrespectful, its no different from any other player being tackled while scoring a try and slamming the ball off the opponents head.
Anonymous October 04, 2010 5:39 am
Wow... Arguing with each other in an online comment space? Why don't we just enjoy the sport and congratulate a talented athlete on a well deserved try. I feel like you don't have room to criticize an athlete unless your working like he is on the pitch to do what he does... Besides, you don't see any of the opposition whining about his TWO SECOND celebration as much as half of you are. Geez, give your gobs a rest...
slippery pete October 04, 2010 6:32 am
Notice that most talented players - the ones people look up to - don't act like guy.
I won't criticize Masaga, since there's not much use in that. I'll just point out that there's a reason most players don't act this way. The John Smits, Richie McCaws, Jonny Wilkinsons, and Jonah Lomus of the game were/are all class acts; those are the guys who go down in history.
I won't criticize Masaga, since there's not much use in that. I'll just point out that there's a reason most players don't act this way. The John Smits, Richie McCaws, Jonny Wilkinsons, and Jonah Lomus of the game were/are all class acts; those are the guys who go down in history.
Bradders October 04, 2010 8:15 am
Some of the celebrations do get ridiculous but are pretty funny.
Its just people enjoying playing/ scoring.
I just want somebody to chuck a lawnmower in one weekend. That would be sweet.
(Oh and from the anonymous above Ada - I am british - suck my balls)
Its just people enjoying playing/ scoring.
I just want somebody to chuck a lawnmower in one weekend. That would be sweet.
(Oh and from the anonymous above Ada - I am british - suck my balls)
Ferdinand October 04, 2010 8:17 am
Anonymous said... Wow... Arguing with each other in an online comment space? Why don't we just enjoy the sport and congratulate a talented athlete on a well deserved try. I feel like you don't have room to criticize an athlete unless your working like he is on the pitch to do what he does.
I disagree. Some of the banter that goes on in RD's comments is one of the good things about the site. And you don't have to be an top athlete to have a relevant opinion on how they perform, otherwise none of us fans would have the right to criticize any top level player, how dull would that be?
I disagree. Some of the banter that goes on in RD's comments is one of the good things about the site. And you don't have to be an top athlete to have a relevant opinion on how they perform, otherwise none of us fans would have the right to criticize any top level player, how dull would that be?
Anonymous October 04, 2010 8:21 am
He didn't gas Habana, that was in 07 when Habana was at his fastest. Habana was covering two players with an overlap and had to run back as the pass was made, still actually catching him but was too close to the tryline to make the tackle.
Masanga = Super 14 level player.
Masanga = Super 14 level player.
Anonymous October 04, 2010 8:23 am
Jp Petersen also caught Masanga in 2008 and Petersen on his site said that he is more of a 200 meter runner than 100.
UnionnotNFL October 04, 2010 12:39 pm
Let see a highlight reel of Lomu, Kirwan, Campese, Underwood, and Robinson's best dance routines?
Wait, all those players were way too classy to do a celebration dance, but all played with style and flair.
Fellas, just 10 years ago stuff like this would be unthinkable. Rugby is changing for the worse when Ryan Kankowski gets a ban for shaking off a player on the ground who won't let go, and yet fans think a celebration dance makes someone a "god".
Wait, all those players were way too classy to do a celebration dance, but all played with style and flair.
Fellas, just 10 years ago stuff like this would be unthinkable. Rugby is changing for the worse when Ryan Kankowski gets a ban for shaking off a player on the ground who won't let go, and yet fans think a celebration dance makes someone a "god".
NiWiTa October 04, 2010 1:14 pm
@Resident Troll I agree...
In the Northern Hemisphere our celebrating still has to catch up with the Southern Hemisphere speed, skill and outrageousness...This is because we are uptight and prefer to celebrate off the pitch with a cold bath followed by a firm whipping across the buttocks with vinegar soaked barbed wire NOT...
Still that's what you get for drawing attention to yourself I suppose. I always thought you can do Masaga's kind of celebration with only a few minutes before the end of the match so the opposition don't get hold of you :P
In the Northern Hemisphere our celebrating still has to catch up with the Southern Hemisphere speed, skill and outrageousness...This is because we are uptight and prefer to celebrate off the pitch with a cold bath followed by a firm whipping across the buttocks with vinegar soaked barbed wire NOT...
Still that's what you get for drawing attention to yourself I suppose. I always thought you can do Masaga's kind of celebration with only a few minutes before the end of the match so the opposition don't get hold of you :P
Tom October 04, 2010 11:55 pm
It might be a cultuarl thing. In NZ rugby is a working class game, and so you don't get the same stiff upper lip nonsense that comes out of the posh private school folks in other parts of the world.
Luckily I'm pretty sure Masaga couldn't give less of a fuck about what some fans on the internet think of his celebration if he tried.
Luckily I'm pretty sure Masaga couldn't give less of a fuck about what some fans on the internet think of his celebration if he tried.
Anonymous October 05, 2010 5:48 am
a bit of celebrating is fine, as long as it doesnt end up like american football where the slightest achievement is met with a 5 minute celebration. and masaga is lethal, problem is weve got very good outside backs all over the place at the moment.
Bradders October 05, 2010 5:59 am
Jp Petersen is shithouse, he caught Masaga with his finger tip when he had a superior angle on the defense and started ahead of him. Masaga would burn that fatty.
Jp Petersen = Worlds worst winger
Jp Petersen = Worlds worst winger
Anonymous October 06, 2010 9:29 am
hey Bradders, Jp Petersen = World Cup winner. Masanga is a journeyman wing in the Super 14 for a team that lost 90% of their games this year and were molested at Loftus in the 09 final.
Petersen had to turn and catch him and he did, try saver and humble pie for Masanga.
Petersen had to turn and catch him and he did, try saver and humble pie for Masanga.
NiWiTa October 07, 2010 2:20 pm
Nice one Tom he he....In England Rugby is a game played by all classes so we don't have to throw massive strops about whether players went to posh school or not...
I stand by my comment that Masaga doesn't give a flying f*ck what school/social class the opposing players come from. However some people seem to have a big chip on their shoulder about it....Personally if I was any good at rugby and was in the opposition team with a few minutes to spare in the match I would have looked forward to reminding Masage not to celebrate so much so early in the next ruck he was in.....
I stand by my comment that Masaga doesn't give a flying f*ck what school/social class the opposing players come from. However some people seem to have a big chip on their shoulder about it....Personally if I was any good at rugby and was in the opposition team with a few minutes to spare in the match I would have looked forward to reminding Masage not to celebrate so much so early in the next ruck he was in.....
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