Monday, June 13, 2011
Butch James' dangerous tackle, and big hit on Stefan Terblanche

Butch James had a great game on the weekend, all but steering his new side, the Lions, to victory over the visiting Sharks. He slipped up though with a typically Butch-like tackle on flanker Keegan Daniel, meaning he was off the field for ten minutes, allowing the Sharks back into the game.
James, who is back in South Africa to increase his chances of being at the Rugby World Cup, was given a lifeline by the Lions, who now have a solid financial backing and are looking to turn things around in Johannesburg. The flyhalf has certainly made a difference, with the Lions showing the kind of continuity and passion that has been way too sporadic in years gone by.
They almost pulled off the win too, and were up 30-9 at one stage. A host of Sharks substitutions - including the introduction of Frederic Michalak - as well as James being yellow carded meant that a big comeback took place. The game ended 30-30.
James has since been cited for his second half tackle on Keegan Daniel, the tackle that earned him ten minutes on the sideline. Under Law 10.4 (e) for dangerous tackling, James will face a judicial hearing on Wednesday of this week in Johannesburg.
While he's never been a stranger to this type of hit, his general play and perfect goal kicking will be encouraging for the Springboks, and he has been named in their initial World Cup squad.
His discipline in the tackle has always been a problem though, as can be seen here. He did however make another big tackle earlier in the game that was deemed legal, on Stefan Terblanche. You can view both in the playlist below, and decide for yourself if you think a citing and further action is necessary.
Update: 16/06/2011 - James has been suspended for four weeks by SANZAR. The offence was classified as mid-range, and has been deferred (the Lions have a bye) to commence on Monday July 20th, meaning he will be out of all rugby up to 17 July.
Posted at 12:53 pm | 49 comments
Posted in Big Hits & Dirty Play
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Viewing 49 comments
Guy June 13, 2011 1:09 pm

Nice physical stuff. Pity it was a bit high.
jpm June 13, 2011 1:15 pm

2. It's another one of those where the tackler hits so hard, that the runner bounces off him and so he doesn;t get wrapped. I think the second slow mo shows that it was not a shoulder charge and he did attempt to wrap. Close, but I give the benefit of the doubt to the tackler.
The SAffa commentator is the best in the biz.
edbok June 13, 2011 1:20 pm

He's never going to cut this crap out, but he might still be the best back up to Morne Steyn. He also plays his best rugby alongside Jean de Villiers, maybe that's another reason for him to remain in the frame. Still, there'd better be a plan c if we include him in the rwc squad.
Cheis June 13, 2011 1:30 pm

Anonymous June 13, 2011 2:15 pm

Douglas June 13, 2011 2:46 pm

medicaluke June 13, 2011 3:12 pm

Second, definitely don't think it was a shoulder charge. His arms were there, just the force of impact sent the player back so he couldn't be wrapped. Big hit.
Anonymous June 13, 2011 3:41 pm

HAHAHA!
Juggernauter June 13, 2011 4:23 pm

The second was just solid.
I wonder which Springboks fly half is more boring, Morn or Butch..? Haha just kidding
Cheers
beef June 13, 2011 6:39 pm

Anonymous June 13, 2011 7:12 pm

SharkAttack June 13, 2011 7:49 pm

Devasted that Butch was welcomed back to Durban instead of that blerrie Michalak.
Drop Daniel for Deysel!
Anyway welcome home Butch James
SharkAttack June 13, 2011 7:50 pm

apologises
Anonymous June 13, 2011 7:52 pm

Anonymous June 13, 2011 9:28 pm

Why is it the South African players are always blown up for these sorts of things when its not that bad. I'd never in a million years given a yellow for that.
The rest of the rugby world needs to toughen up before the world cup or we'll wipe the floor with you wimps!
rolling my eyes June 13, 2011 9:50 pm

Did you even watch the game and listen to Lawrence's explanation?
Yeah, some of these comments are blowing the situation out of proportion a little bit, but it's hardly anything for you to get all offended over.
Anonymous June 13, 2011 10:11 pm

2. good clean big hit
why on earth is he being cited, so what it was a high tackle, surely he isn't going to get banned for a few weeks just for that.
Can't be bothered t comment about some of the stupid comments above.
Anonymous June 14, 2011 8:10 am

Anonymous June 14, 2011 8:16 am

Anonymous June 14, 2011 8:17 am

I remember that 3N match las year where he came on for the last 20 and got yellowed in 5 and in that match the ref had let a few on the edge tackles slide. He seems to have a complete brain fart if his team are down or under pressure.
It's a shame because he is a great 10 and is probably a little better ball in hand than Steyn, but he'll never be first choice due to Steyn's kicking and his temper.
Anonymous June 14, 2011 9:50 am

Anonymous June 14, 2011 10:24 am

Anonymous June 14, 2011 10:26 am

Anonymous June 14, 2011 5:03 pm

Lol, in all honesty, I didnt even realise he played in the rwc.... obviously made a massive impression...
Anonymous June 14, 2011 5:04 pm

haters gonna hate...
brown nosers gonna brown nose...
katman June 14, 2011 6:18 pm

Just saying.
Anonymous June 14, 2011 7:26 pm

Laz June 14, 2011 8:35 pm

Although if ever there were a time to throw Lambie in at the deep end, this Tri Nations would be it!
Anonymous June 14, 2011 9:01 pm

He's got a World Cup medal in his closet. Which other flyhalf can say that? Dan? Quade? Whoever the England flyhalf is?
Just saying."
Is that Wilkinson you were looking for? Yes he can.
Anonymous June 14, 2011 11:44 pm

let me guess..wilkinson in his prime would never get into the SA team _
Anonymous June 15, 2011 5:54 am

Katman was talking about Flood - current Eng flyhalf. Wilkinson is an old turd now.
Anonymous June 15, 2011 7:50 am

Anonymous June 15, 2011 2:06 pm

Shouldnt that be the statement. Because I'm pretty sure every fly half that played for a winning world cup team has a medal....
Wilkinson is better than butch any day. Ofcourse you don't want a fly half that can only kick (if you can help it) but hy get a fly half that cant kick for shit...LOL
Anonymous June 15, 2011 2:09 pm

katman June 15, 2011 8:22 pm

Wilko is like Navratilova. Boy, she was good once, and I think she still plays somewhere...
Anonymous June 15, 2011 9:06 pm

And just to illustrate how dumb it was...
Jonny Wilkinson is a current international, he played in the 6 nations in 2011.... therefore he can lay claim to having a world cup medal in his closet..
Anonymous June 15, 2011 10:18 pm

RD June 16, 2011 8:56 am

Thanks
edbok June 16, 2011 12:12 pm

Anonymous June 16, 2011 2:18 pm

Anonymous June 17, 2011 10:03 am
















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