Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Matt Hopper reverse pirate pass vs Toulouse
Here's a quick look at a great moment from the Harlequins vs Toulouse game in the Heineken Cup last weekend. Former Cornish Pirates player Matt Hopper pulled off this fantastic pass as Quins counter-attacked down field.
It's worth watching if you've not seen it, and we're happy to have it as part of the archive on here, which includes many other great bits of skill. View the related posts below for a similar pass from Brian O'Driscoll, and make sure you're following RD on Twitter and Facebook for regular updates.
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Check out these related posts
Luke McAlister's big charge through Nick Evans
Brian O'Driscoll back from the dead, then a neat flick pass
Brian O'Driscoll's moment of genius against Ulster
Posted in See it to Believe it
Viewing 21 comments
johndoe December 15, 2011 12:09 pm
BOD 2.0 Reminds me of a young O'Driscoll. Pass was beautiful. Floated perfectly.
Zakalwe December 15, 2011 12:29 pm
What about Shalk Brits beauty of an offload against the Ospreys to set up a try?
Rugbydump December 15, 2011 4:29 pm
Yep another great pass, so that'll be posted either tonight or tomorrow.
Malcolm Bradbrook December 15, 2011 12:36 pm
Great stuff - people like Hopper (ie those who develop later) have a history of being overlooked by England as we (like many other countries) have become obsessed those who stand out as teenagers/u21s.
I hope if his form continues he comes into contention - he might be lucky that there is not massive competition in the centres at the moment beyond Manu.
I hope if his form continues he comes into contention - he might be lucky that there is not massive competition in the centres at the moment beyond Manu.
coops December 15, 2011 2:29 pm
...Nick Easter and Shaun Perry.
So there's a 50% success rate on later developing players - going on the idea that Perry was pretty pants for England and Easter has been, on the whole, OK.
So there's a 50% success rate on later developing players - going on the idea that Perry was pretty pants for England and Easter has been, on the whole, OK.
Malcolm Bradbrook December 15, 2011 3:56 pm
They are the exception though - the selectors eyes are always on the youngster and sometimes they get shoved in too early (Tait for example) when some players get unfairly labelled good club players who won't make the step up.
Pretzel December 15, 2011 4:08 pm
I'd definitely agree with that, there are many times when "kids" are stuck into an England shirt and have not reached full potential (therefore cracking under superior pressure for seasoned teams) and are then swept aside because they'll "never make it."
There needs to be a bit of a plan regarding a focus on GOOD PLAYERS almost regardless of their age, obviously picking a good player who is in his mid 30's probably isn't the best idea.
There needs to be a bit of a plan regarding a focus on GOOD PLAYERS almost regardless of their age, obviously picking a good player who is in his mid 30's probably isn't the best idea.
Malcolm Bradbrook December 15, 2011 4:57 pm
Exactly. I think Allen is a case in point - he is now unfairly tarred with the 'international failure' brush when he has done more than enough to earn another chance now that his game has a developed.
BuzzKillington December 15, 2011 3:07 pm
Lol, the complete opposite is the truth. England historically has been terrible at breeding young players. We're far behind most nations in this regard.
Malcolm Bradbrook December 15, 2011 4:57 pm
I didn't say they were good young players ...
Pretzel December 15, 2011 1:53 pm
Should of seen the reverse pirate manoeuvre he performed in the showers after the game.... ;)
Charlie December 15, 2011 6:05 pm
For some reason the video won't play?
Or is this just my laptop playing up?
Charlie
Or is this just my laptop playing up?
Charlie
Rugbydump December 15, 2011 10:43 pm
Hi Charlie, it's possible the problem is on your side. Perhaps clear your browser cache, try a different browser, or update your Adobe Flash player. Let us know if you have any probs after that, thanks.
Canadian content December 16, 2011 5:56 am
Great pass I love the risk taking, even Barnes wasn't hating for a change!
Agreed on the notion that England doesn't pick older club players, which is very short sighted. I think the AB's did alright picking up Brad Thorn after his rugby league career.
The bottom line that most people miss is that you pick winners, not attributes. Players who find ways to win, rather than have the skills that should help you win, are the ones I want.
Agreed on the notion that England doesn't pick older club players, which is very short sighted. I think the AB's did alright picking up Brad Thorn after his rugby league career.
The bottom line that most people miss is that you pick winners, not attributes. Players who find ways to win, rather than have the skills that should help you win, are the ones I want.
Malcolm Bradbrook December 16, 2011 10:59 am
I should add that we don't have any difficulty picking older players if they have failed to make the grade for their home nation....
Askelkana December 16, 2011 11:58 am
Sigh! I think the commentators were trying to see how may pirate-related puns and quips they could muster. Very droll, to be sure, me hearties.
Interesting thought: since Cornishmen don't consider themselves English, and, genetically speaking, have more affinity with the Welsh, should Wales be their default nation to play for?
Interesting thought: since Cornishmen don't consider themselves English, and, genetically speaking, have more affinity with the Welsh, should Wales be their default nation to play for?
will February 10, 2012 1:54 am
thats funny becuase hes not Cornish and hes from Exeter
sp1nlo0p December 17, 2011 1:47 am
for sure the next big thing going to be worked on by the boys at the next training session ;)
Number11 December 18, 2011 1:57 am
this is brilliant, great to see Quins with some class in the centres, we need Lowe on form as well if we are to compete with teams like Toulouse
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