Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Tim Nanai-Williams finishes amazing passage of play and scores great solo effort
Chiefs flyer Tim Nanai-Williams scored two spectacular tries at the weekend as the defending Super Rugby champions beat the Highlanders 41-27 in an incredible game of rugby that featured all out attack for the full 80 minutes.
Nanai-Williams, the cousin of former Chief Sonny Bill Williams, usually plays in the outside backs but was moved to centre as resources were depleted and coach Dave Rennie saw the potential.
"He's bloody quick as an outside, so as a centre he's lightning," said Rennie after the 23-year-old’s first game there, a preseason encounter with the Hurricanes.
His first try against the Highlanders came about from first phase ball as Ma'a Nonu made an uncharacteristic error, allowing speedy Nanai-Williams to dart through the gap before an outrageous goose-step beat the last man, All Black Ben Smith.
The second try was totally different, and as it was described this week, was possibly the best three minutes of rugby you're likely to see. It came from a restart after a Highlanders try, and in terms of entertainment value, it certainly was right up there.
The long period of non-stop play included a few turnovers, incredibly quick ball from the breakdown, and some great offloading before an error allowed Nanai-Williams to pounce, bringing relief to everyone out there with his second step and try of the night.
The advantage played by Steve Walsh was excellent and the persistant speed and tempo of this game, before you judge the defence, was unbelievable. At 27-28 and with twenty minutes left, it's not surprising things opened up as they did.
Nanai-Williams collected the most running metres of the game with 150, while as a team the Chiefs made 87 percent of their tackles, with the Highlanders making 80 percent of theirs.
It was actually quite a challenge deciding which of the two tries to feature here, as both are really good for different reasons, but we've gone with the crazy few minutes try, then placed the solo effort straight after it in a playlist. Hit play once, and both will play.
There were a few other great tries scored, so you can view Highlanders vs Chiefs highlights here. You can also catch up on all the other Round 2 Super Rugby highlights
Posted at 6:37 pm | 42 comments
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Related Posts
Highlanders vs Chiefs Highlights - Super Rugby 2013 Round 2
Posted in Great Tries, See it to Believe it
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Viewing 42 comments
max February 26, 2013 11:48 pm
great double for him but he could have gone way closer to posts, never understood why players dont go for the sticks when they could, Sackey used to do it and its just inefficient
poccio February 27, 2013 1:59 am
to be fair he looks pretty knackerd, after a passage of play at that speed and intensity..but fair point in general
Bish February 27, 2013 9:16 am
After that end to end rugby and the fact he had the flu, I'm surprised he even made it over the line.
EggsAndBacon February 27, 2013 1:29 pm
Agreed, although Nanai was wrecked from that passage of play. The match was fantastic overall, really enjoyable stuff from both teams. A lot of wingers make no attempt to get it near the sticks. Zebo does it for Munster though, and there are a few wingers who also do it as much as possible.
matt February 27, 2013 3:02 pm
I remember being really angry at Tuilagi in the England New Zealand game for just cruising over the line out wide after his interception rather than making any attempt for the posts.
EggsAndBacon February 27, 2013 6:29 pm
Yea, I felt the same. Although with Farrell on the team it's almost acceptable to go to the corner. Give the boy some kind of challenge!
dave March 02, 2013 9:26 am
you realise that in that england new zealand game, Tuilagi was absolutely gassed, they have these things under their jersey's that reads their heart rate and where they were at on their vo2 max scale, they subbed him out immediately after that try, if I was him, totally gassed (i have asthma too) I would have 100% have done the same thing
flanker2712 February 27, 2013 1:18 am
Having spent the weekend watching Six Nations, I swear this seems like a completely different sport!
browner March 01, 2013 1:13 pm
It is a different sport....it's ping pong rugby, some great skills , but how many loose plays or turnovers in 2 mins..... the law makers have bastardised our sport which heads towards rugby league every season.............. BOOOOOOOO IRB
Bring back 'compete for the ball at the breakdown' & proper mauling
Bring back 'compete for the ball at the breakdown' & proper mauling
Citing Commissioner February 27, 2013 1:23 am
Lucky Walsh was refereeing, any halfwit that knew the Laws would have blown up for a penalty at 2.20 when the tackled player didn't release. Not a complaint, just saying...
Niall February 27, 2013 11:32 am
To me that looked like he wasnt held, therefore thats fair.
Citing Commissioner February 27, 2013 11:57 am
Given he was still being held onto as he got back to his feet I'd have to disagree.
Darren February 27, 2013 12:06 pm
It looked to me as if the tackling player released him, then got to his feet before tackling him again. To be fair I thought Walsh did well to keep up with play. If he had blown then for a penalty it would have completely destroyed the flow of play. It's a shame he doesn't ref in the Premiership. We might see a bit more flowing rugby.
Guy February 27, 2013 2:27 pm
I agree he was held. It would have been a bigger issue if the Highlanders had scored from that move.
Cracking try though, absolute frantic stuff!
Cracking try though, absolute frantic stuff!
Niall February 27, 2013 6:37 pm
Well it was his momentum that carried him back to his feet. Would you expect him to hold his hands up and jump on the floor?
Jon March 01, 2013 2:58 am
My god.
Some people must just love being miserable.
To make a tackle you have to stop a players forward momentum.
This is not the NFL, he's not tackled when his knee hits the ground.
If he is still moving and twisting (and if you can't see that he was you're blind) he can fight his way to his feet and keep going.
You'd think you'd all just watched rugby for the first time.
It's like you are all just bitter that you don't get to watch rugby like this much and are looking for penalties.
It's crazy. Can't you see that this is rugby at it's most spectacular. This is why you watch the game, to see this kind of play.
You guys are off your rockers.
Some people must just love being miserable.
To make a tackle you have to stop a players forward momentum.
This is not the NFL, he's not tackled when his knee hits the ground.
If he is still moving and twisting (and if you can't see that he was you're blind) he can fight his way to his feet and keep going.
You'd think you'd all just watched rugby for the first time.
It's like you are all just bitter that you don't get to watch rugby like this much and are looking for penalties.
It's crazy. Can't you see that this is rugby at it's most spectacular. This is why you watch the game, to see this kind of play.
You guys are off your rockers.
Guy March 01, 2013 3:03 pm
'This is not the NFL, he's not tackled when his knee hits the ground.'
Well, let's see what the laws say:
15.3 Brought to the ground defined: If the ball carrier has one knee or both knees on the ground, that player has been ‘brought to ground’.
15.5 The tackled player: A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it. That player must also get up or move away from it at once.
I agree: 'that this is rugby at it's most spectacular'. Being spectacular just doesn't make it legal.
Well, let's see what the laws say:
15.3 Brought to the ground defined: If the ball carrier has one knee or both knees on the ground, that player has been ‘brought to ground’.
15.5 The tackled player: A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release it. That player must also get up or move away from it at once.
I agree: 'that this is rugby at it's most spectacular'. Being spectacular just doesn't make it legal.
matt February 27, 2013 3:05 pm
There was also the highlanders player in the ruck knocking the ball out of the scrum halves hands at 2:09, which Walsh somehow decides is just a knock-on!?
But perhaps most importantly the shoulder charge from Nanai Williams at 2:52.
It's all well and good praising the attacking spirit of a game, but it is much easier to play fluently if the ref ignores the rules.
But perhaps most importantly the shoulder charge from Nanai Williams at 2:52.
It's all well and good praising the attacking spirit of a game, but it is much easier to play fluently if the ref ignores the rules.
memberbenefits February 28, 2013 6:32 pm
All this! Plus there was guys diving on the wrong side of rucks all over the place. I wonder how many penalties would have been given in NH
Also momentum carrying a person back to their feet is a bit mad
Also momentum carrying a person back to their feet is a bit mad
DrG February 28, 2013 7:43 pm
Actually judging by some of the England rucking tactics of late (in the 6 Nations) I'd say, not that many penalties would be given.
thatisentertainment March 01, 2013 2:03 am
At 2.09 the ref didn't ignore the "rules" (I think you mean laws). Whatever he saw happen, he called advantage which quickly lapsed because the Chiefs immediately went on attack. For others on here complaining about the ref, his advantage calls were superb and contributed a lot to this great passage of play. I agree with Jon, any ref could find a reason to blow his whistle at pretty much every ruck in every game of rugby. The good refs know the ones that matter and the ones to let go. And it's hilarious how people go on about how the ruck transgressions which they are convinced they see, would not be missed by refs in the NH... maybe they just don't watch the 6N closely enough.
Jeroo February 27, 2013 3:52 pm
Brilliant! Great advert for Super Rugby (less good advert for referees). I felt out of breath just watching it!
James February 27, 2013 10:25 pm
Did anyone notice at 33 seconds It looks as though the Otago no.8 tackles a Chiefs player whilst lying on the ground in an offside position at ruck?
matt February 28, 2013 2:22 pm
Bang on James, good spot.
Can you imagine how much better every game would look if nothing was ever called?
Can you imagine how much better every game would look if nothing was ever called?
thatisentertainment March 01, 2013 2:20 am
Good call! I would much rather the referee had blown a penalty for this meaningless bit of naughtiness that had absolutely no effect on the game. Then I wouldn't have to watch the next two & a half minutes of brilliantly entertaining, tough and skillful rugby leading to a wonderful try for the Chiefs. Jeez!
hanros February 28, 2013 2:11 pm
Oxford dictionary
Southern Hemisphere rugby: see http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/02/3027/tim-nanai-williams-finishes-amazing-passage-of-play-and-scores-great-solo-effort
coming from someone in the UK.
Southern Hemisphere rugby: see http://www.rugbydump.com/2013/02/3027/tim-nanai-williams-finishes-amazing-passage-of-play-and-scores-great-solo-effort
coming from someone in the UK.
Jon February 28, 2013 2:30 pm
Anyone on here who is complaining that the ref should have blown more penalties has completely lost it. Anyone who calls them self a rugby fan and walks away from watching that with the feeling that there weren't enough penalties has gone nuts.
That was one of the most entertaining, high quality passages of play I've ever seen.
The offense and defense on both sides was incredible.
In that entire time only about two tackles were missed, and one led directly to the try. The passing, tackling, running lines, rucking and support play was all of the highest order.
Christ I wish the Waratahs could play like that. No wonder the All Blacks are so good.
That was one of the most entertaining, high quality passages of play I've ever seen.
The offense and defense on both sides was incredible.
In that entire time only about two tackles were missed, and one led directly to the try. The passing, tackling, running lines, rucking and support play was all of the highest order.
Christ I wish the Waratahs could play like that. No wonder the All Blacks are so good.
memberbenefits February 28, 2013 6:38 pm
Why bother having laws at all then? I don't think anyone is complaining as such, maybe pointing out that it flowed as well as it did because of some very lenient interpretations
Jon March 01, 2013 12:26 am
memberbenefits. If you look hard enough, you see penalties everywhere.
You could watch any passage of play and find at least one minor ruck infringement, if you stretch the interpretation far enough.
If anyone actually thinks the ref should have looked harder to find penalties and stopped this wonderful display of high class rugby, they are nuts. Simple as that.
You could watch any passage of play and find at least one minor ruck infringement, if you stretch the interpretation far enough.
If anyone actually thinks the ref should have looked harder to find penalties and stopped this wonderful display of high class rugby, they are nuts. Simple as that.
Colombes February 28, 2013 3:48 pm
it was a fantastic passage of play
with reason, some would agree that any other ref would have blown the whistle 1 or 2 times during this sequence (offside on a ruck, and a tackled player who didn"t release) but, anyway, the most important side of this video is the constant attacking ambition of players in the superugby.
does the match was like this during 80 minutes? hard rhythm to keep
with reason, some would agree that any other ref would have blown the whistle 1 or 2 times during this sequence (offside on a ruck, and a tackled player who didn"t release) but, anyway, the most important side of this video is the constant attacking ambition of players in the superugby.
does the match was like this during 80 minutes? hard rhythm to keep
Jeri February 28, 2013 3:49 pm
That sequence of back-and-forth offensive play was spell-bounding!
DrG February 28, 2013 7:49 pm
I noticed a comment about this being different to 6 Nations.
Well firstly this is club rugby, so naturally it would be different, on a whole International rugby tends to be tighter. This sort of play is killer in the big games and not to mention risky when your defence is in tatters. I suspect that in any International someone would have tried to kick it out in the corner.
Secondly, I thought the TRY itself was not as good as Fofanas', of course the build up was very exciting and to be honest if RD had posted this video and said "A try was scored" I wouldn't have known which team was going to score it. But Try for try, I'd say Fofanas' was better.
Then thirdly, it looked like a lovely dry evening in this video, did you actually see the atrocious weather in the 6N games the past few weekends? Snow, rain, lifting pitches...
I'm not trying to say this type of play happens in the 6 nations, I'm simply saying they may as WELL be different sports when you take into consideration all of the above.
Well firstly this is club rugby, so naturally it would be different, on a whole International rugby tends to be tighter. This sort of play is killer in the big games and not to mention risky when your defence is in tatters. I suspect that in any International someone would have tried to kick it out in the corner.
Secondly, I thought the TRY itself was not as good as Fofanas', of course the build up was very exciting and to be honest if RD had posted this video and said "A try was scored" I wouldn't have known which team was going to score it. But Try for try, I'd say Fofanas' was better.
Then thirdly, it looked like a lovely dry evening in this video, did you actually see the atrocious weather in the 6N games the past few weekends? Snow, rain, lifting pitches...
I'm not trying to say this type of play happens in the 6 nations, I'm simply saying they may as WELL be different sports when you take into consideration all of the above.
BOPSteamers March 01, 2013 8:00 am
Listen to all of you miserable nit pickers carry on about penalties, This is why the southern hemisphere are consistently better at Rugby on a whole, because we see flowing rugby as a positive and you see it as poor defence or poor refereeing.
Ofcourse conditions plays a part in the way we have to approach Rugby and thats part of the beauty of our game, styles wins fights but why cant we just appreciate this 3 mins of electric rugby for what it is.
And as for poor defence i think our attack is alot more imaginative and expressive and therefore harder to defend but i guess each to their own. We'll never be able to please everyone you guys just enjoy your kickfests and we'll enjoy breathtaking athletic rugby :)
Ofcourse conditions plays a part in the way we have to approach Rugby and thats part of the beauty of our game, styles wins fights but why cant we just appreciate this 3 mins of electric rugby for what it is.
And as for poor defence i think our attack is alot more imaginative and expressive and therefore harder to defend but i guess each to their own. We'll never be able to please everyone you guys just enjoy your kickfests and we'll enjoy breathtaking athletic rugby :)
browner March 01, 2013 1:20 pm
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz you should stuck with rugby league ........ a simple game for simple people . guaranteed possession, no scrum feeds, defence held 5-10m , not competing for the ball at the tackle ....
Return Union to the 1995 - 2000 Era, much more in keeping with the "Game for all shapes & sizes" Philosopy
This SHOWBIZ rugby sucks
Return Union to the 1995 - 2000 Era, much more in keeping with the "Game for all shapes & sizes" Philosopy
This SHOWBIZ rugby sucks
BOPSteamers March 02, 2013 3:02 am
1995-2000? When the Wallabies dominated World Rugby? Pretty sure it was running rugby then too buddy, and yes what a great period of open play that was too....The Northern Hemisphere sucked then as it does now :)
DrG March 02, 2013 6:45 pm
I'm still not sure on this NH vs SH thing...
NZ are world Champions right? I don't think they want to share their winning pedestal with the likes of Australia and South Africa. I think they're quite happy standing there on their own..
Then when the SH incorporates teams like Scotland, Italy etc into the NH arguments, it might as well bring in the likes of Fiji etc into it's own ranks..
Then in the Autumn Aus beat England by 6 points? (If I read correctly) and England beat NZ..
In all honesty, it seems like you're just being a troll for the sake of it.
Either way this was impressive to watch and of course you always play to the referee, however the referee's job is to blow the whistle for forward passes, knock ons, "illegal" passages of play etc... so if he doesn't do that, then he's not doing his job, so you may as well not have one...
Free flowing rugby is fine. Missed tackles are not fine. Do you think NZ (again) reward team mates for missed tackles and chalk it down to "free flowing rugby"... the way I have been taught to play is that you always make your tackles. If you can't trust the man inside you to make his tackle then again, it makes for a messy defence!
NZ are world Champions right? I don't think they want to share their winning pedestal with the likes of Australia and South Africa. I think they're quite happy standing there on their own..
Then when the SH incorporates teams like Scotland, Italy etc into the NH arguments, it might as well bring in the likes of Fiji etc into it's own ranks..
Then in the Autumn Aus beat England by 6 points? (If I read correctly) and England beat NZ..
In all honesty, it seems like you're just being a troll for the sake of it.
Either way this was impressive to watch and of course you always play to the referee, however the referee's job is to blow the whistle for forward passes, knock ons, "illegal" passages of play etc... so if he doesn't do that, then he's not doing his job, so you may as well not have one...
Free flowing rugby is fine. Missed tackles are not fine. Do you think NZ (again) reward team mates for missed tackles and chalk it down to "free flowing rugby"... the way I have been taught to play is that you always make your tackles. If you can't trust the man inside you to make his tackle then again, it makes for a messy defence!
TisE March 03, 2013 1:33 am
You are suggesting that there are a lot of knock-ons, forward passes and illegals bits of play going on here that the ref misses. Not so. The ref plays advantage about three times, which is good refereeing, it doesn't mean he missed anything. And the odd inconsequential thing he ignored should be ignored by all refs. And considering the intensity of the attacking, there is some terrific defence and very few missed tackles. Some people seem to get disorientated by a vid that shows that a game's highlights can be more that six penalties and a stomping.
TiE March 02, 2013 3:49 am
What the hell has league got to do with it? Where in this clip is there "guaranteed possession" (it changes repeatedly), "no competing for the ball" (it going on all the time which is why the possession keeps changing), "defence held at 5-10m" (the defence here is fierce and is only stretched and broken by great attack), "scrum feeds" (not sure what your point is, trying on a dodgy scrum feed has been part of rugby for its entire history). As BOP says, the dominant sides of 1995–2000 tried to play open running rugby. You have no argument at all.
dave March 02, 2013 9:20 am
where can I go to watch match highlights of super rugby games? i'm looking for a format kind of like the aviva premiership site, it needs to be able to play me the highlights despite the fact I live in canada, I love the speed and intensity here, this is awesome
Jon March 04, 2013 6:08 am
Dave, right here on Rugbydump!
http://www.rugbydump.com/categories/superrugby2013
They've got highlights from every single game.
If you go on youtube and search you'll find that many of the games are up there and freely available in full as well.
http://www.rugbydump.com/categories/superrugby2013
They've got highlights from every single game.
If you go on youtube and search you'll find that many of the games are up there and freely available in full as well.
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