Danie Rossouw's big hit on opposite number Luke Charteris

South Africa came into the World Cup with an ageing squad and many critics. While they scraped home against Wales, the way they dismissed Fiji - and the style of rugby they played - has made many sit up and take notice. Danie Rossouw in particular was one that impressed.

Known as a quality utility forward, Rossouw has long lived in the shadow of the famous pair of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, both with the Bulls and in Test rugby. He has always performed well for the Springboks though, and was a star in 2007, with one tackle in particular living long in the memory.

At the age of 33, Rossouw is defying the common perception that he, and others of the same era, are over the hill. Against Fiji he was all over the park as not only played a strong role in the lineout, but acting like a fourth loose forward with incisive breaks, quality passes, and he even gassed it down the wing.

Coach Peter De Villiers praised him as 'An old man with a new revitalised engine', while the Sydney Morning Herald described Rossouw's game against Fiji as 'the tight-five performance of the World Cup so far'.

While the match against Wales was a far tighter affair, Rossouw did manage to make an impact with this cracking hit on opposition second rower Luke Charteris, so here's another quick look at it.

Have a look at the related post below the video for a similar hit, also 4 on 4.

Posted at 10:37 am | 12 comments

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Posted in Big Hits & Dirty Play, Rugby World Cup 2011