Monday, July 02, 2012
Manu Tuilagi vs Jean De Villiers in the first Test in Durban
Expected to make a big impact during the three-Test series against the Springboks, England's powerhouse center Manu Tuilagi showed patches of what he's capable of, but was for the most part contained by the midfield combo of Jean De Villiers and Francois Steyn. Here is a quick look back at some of the best collisions from the first Test.
De Villiers, who was playing in his first match as captain of the Springboks, said prematch that he was expecting a tough physical challenge when going up against Tuilagi.
"Manu Tuilagi has shown he is a massive threat on attack and defensively he is very solid as well. Frans and I will have our work cut out tomorrow. It is going to be a tough day at the office but it is a challenge we are looking forward to.
"We are representing our country, they are representing theirs and that is what Test match rugby is all about. It is putting your bodies on the line and digging in for your country," De Villiers said.
Both players did exactly that, with Tuilagi perhaps getting the points victory in their first meeting, but De Villiers coming out winner over the series, having successfully limited the damage the Samoan wrecking ball managed to inflict.
Below is a quick look at some of the big charges from both players, and includes a try saving tackle from Tuilagi on Pierre Spies that wasn't replayed during the match, but was excellent.
You can have a browse through the Related Posts below the video for the match highlights, as well as some of the best and worst moments from both Tuilagi and De Villiers over the years.
Posted at 7:13 pm | 19 comments
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Related Posts
South Africa vs England 2012 - 1st Test - Full Match
Springboks go one-up in the series with win over England
Manu Tuilagi tip-tackle citing dismissed ahead of SA tour
Manu Tuilagi's huge hit on quick hands Dan Bowden
Manu Tuilagi tackles David Wallace out of the 2011 RWC
Manu Tuilagi's flurry of punches on Chris Ashton
Manu Tuilagi's powerful try against Saracens
Manu Tuilagi's well timed tackle vs Northampton Saints
Manu Tuilagi's smashing tackle on Tom Williams
Jean De Villiers smashed by Benoit August in HEC Semi-Final
The Jean de Villiers moat incident - Argentina 2005
Rua Tipoki drops Jean De Villiers
Josh Lewsey's try saving tackle on Jean De Villiers
Posted in Big Hits & Dirty Play
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Viewing 19 comments
Pretzel July 02, 2012 11:41 pm
I don't really know of any other game where teams or individuals share this kind of experience. Especially not something that involves knocking lumps out of each other.
For the record, from the video I'd say JDV won that battle through experience...
i love bacon July 03, 2012 3:22 am
But that's another story.
I thought the write-up summed it up well. Tuilagi had plenty moments of great play - his battering-ram-brilliance, but nothing that lifted England up to another level or anything. But that's the way things go sometimes.
I was also glad to see de Villiers playing as though he were still in his 20s. I thought he captained his side pretty well.
ruckinmaul July 03, 2012 6:44 am
hayden July 03, 2012 8:28 am
I think england need to a centre who gives more than what he offers.
Facepalm July 03, 2012 5:54 pm
breakaway July 03, 2012 9:06 am
rugby08 July 03, 2012 5:57 pm
JDV won the battle because he's a better player? That's not how it works is it? I thought whoever wins the battle, wins the battle and it certainly looked like Manu won most of the collision battles!
breakaway July 04, 2012 3:33 am
I agree that Tuilagi will probably improve and my point is that one of the things that will make him a more effective player is having fast creative players around him, and he needs to connect with them. Maybe Jonathan below is right, I'll keep watching.
hayden July 04, 2012 8:17 am
Agree with facepalm, think if england continue to use Manu throw him into 12 to be that ram so at least if he keeps his feet in the tackle you have more players running off him or he is still close enough to the forwards that the ruck is cleared and they keep the backline rolling at pace. But they need a 10 that is going to deliver.'
Thoughts?
Jonathan July 03, 2012 10:35 am
Guy July 03, 2012 12:42 pm
Imho Tuilagi matches the physicality of the Springboks centres. He might lack a little bit skill at the moment but hey, that's what they said of Nonu too in the first 15-20 matches he played for the All Blacks....let's just give him some time to evolve. At least there seems to be nothing wrong with his commitment to the white shirt.
All in all: great to watch those clips in a row. Thanks RD!
Pretzel July 03, 2012 3:27 pm
rugby08 July 03, 2012 5:54 pm
Get in there son!!!!
coops July 03, 2012 10:42 pm
A find a lot of the people who criticise Tuilagi will, in the same breath, sing the praises of Jamie Roberts. Both are big physical players who are used to get over the gainline. In fact, I think Manu would be more effective if he is used the way Wales use Roberts - first receiver off a lineout just to smash into the 10. Route 1 but boy it's good.
elpitufo July 04, 2012 8:33 am
François merci pour ces trois belles année au Racing Métro, tu nous aura fait briller les yeux sur tes drop et pénalités de 55mettres, tes gros tampons sur les joueurs les plus denses du top14 et ta capacité à dynamité une défense. Même si on a beaucoup de stars tu étais l'unique qui brillait sans discontinu.
Dommage que tu ne rentres pas aux Sharks avec un titre de Hcup ou un titre de champion de France on est désolé car tu l'aurais mérité pour avoir offert un peu de ta jeunesse à notre pays.
Good Luck and thanks you for all you do.
Philv2 July 04, 2012 9:18 pm
JDV on the other hand was getting the ball right up on the line.
And well done to JDV in defence, even when he does get boshed he always manages to keep a hand on Manu to throw him off balance enough to bring him down.
Canadian content July 05, 2012 1:54 pm
Pretzel July 06, 2012 12:21 am
dave July 13, 2012 7:38 pm
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