Monday, September 03, 2012
Filipo Levi's massive hit on Jarrad Hoeata sparks mini duel
The Log o' Wood was up for grabs on Saturday as Taranaki set out to defend the Ranfurly Shield from a determined Tasman outfit. The game was highly entertaining with many tries and a huge hit that sparked a duel between two hard men of the game.
Taranaki had an impressive start to the ITM Cup season with a good win over Bay of Plenty in round one. Tasman also started well though, so this match was always going to be a fiery contest.
The tone was set with 20 seconds on the clock as Taranaki crossed for a try following a break from dynamic young number ten Beauden Barrett. After four minutes, it was 7-7.
With just over ten minutes left in the first half, things heated up as Samoan veteran Filipo Levi put in a huge hit on Jarrad Hoeata as he looked to get the ball away. Hoeata, never afraid of mixing it up, appeared to shrug it off but just a minute later he was involved in a scuffle.
Shortly after that, Levi carried the ball and Hoeata was perfectly placed to have a go at him, which he did, resulting in a penalty for Tasmas for the high shot.
It was a nice little duel that, as mentioned by the commentators, was thoroughly enjoyed by both parties, who over the years have never backed down from the physical stuff. Overall you'd think Levi would have got the points decision, but Hoeata, who himself often plays lock, took the hit well.
The rapid try scoring continued throughout, as the game produced ten tries and ended 49-40 to Taranaki, despite a valiant effort by the visitors. Taranaki retain the Ranfurly Shield.
Posted at 8:55 am | 12 comments
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Posted in Big Hits & Dirty Play
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Viewing 12 comments
Pretzel September 03, 2012 4:00 pm
Krang September 04, 2012 1:19 am
rugby08 September 04, 2012 10:46 am
Hoeata's was just dirty and he should have been cited for that. Not cool.
cheyanqui September 06, 2012 1:23 am
Hackney Griffin September 06, 2012 12:44 pm
But I don't agree on Levi. His tackle was completely legal. Not high, wrapped his arms, only late because Hoeata did well to get the ball away so quickly... only one of these guys comes away looking like a rugby player. Hoeata just comes off looking like a cheap-shot throwing loser.
Stubby September 06, 2012 1:01 pm
some people might say the first swinging arm is just part of the tackle but the second was malicious and should have been cited
if you can't take a crunching, legal hit without your tampon slipping you don't belong on the pitch (no disrespect intended to female members/players)
cheyanqui September 06, 2012 1:30 pm
The 2nd hit -- I agree much more ill intent (than ill outcome).
I guess I just miss a little bit of the old school.
Taking cheap shots is not the way to solve your problems, but I guess I miss at least seeing some productive bootwork on a player killing your ball, etc.
Pretzel September 06, 2012 3:51 pm
Of course they will make the game grow, more people will be interested because little Freddy won't get injured because its a gentle game. So all the "soccer mums" will become "rugby mums" and carpool their little wimps around as the game gets softer and softer....
Stubby September 06, 2012 1:37 pm
as for killing the ball, you must hate McCaw :)
Stubby September 06, 2012 1:38 pm
fingers not keeping up with the brain
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