ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday Feb 12, 2019

Courtney Lawes ups the ante as he flies into midfield tank Mathieu Bastareaud

Whenever Courtney Lawes plays, any opposing fly-half must be vigilant as they will always be a target to the lock. The Northampton second-row was at it again on Sunday at Twickenham in ‘Le Crunch’, but the victim this time was not Camille Lopez, but rather one of the heaviest players on the field.

ADVERTISEMENT

France had made a rare visit into England’s 22 when Mathieu Bastareaud received a short pass from scrum-half Antoine Dupont. The Toulon centre caught the ball at a standstill, and Lawes’ eyes must have lit up as he quickly sprung out the line and launched into the 18 stone Bastareaud.

This shot is not only a trademark of Lawes’, but epitomised England’s performance against France, and indeed against Ireland a week earlier.

The energy and physicality of Lawes could not be matched by the French, and nothing could be more symbolic of the 44-8 victory than one of France’s most powerful runners being smashed and driven backwards.

While some may have thought England would struggle slightly in Maro Itjoe’s absence, Lawes proved to everyone what an asset he is to Eddie Jones, as there is only one player that can produce moments like this.

In fact, it may have been the worrying sight of Lawes and Tom Curry charging at Guilhem Guirado in the opening minute of the game that forced the French captain to cough up possession which led to England’s opening try.

ADVERTISEMENT

It turned out to be a disastrous day for the French. This moment says it all.

The latest big hit by Lawes adds to his long list, one that includes this smashing hit on Jules Plisson in the Six Nations a few years back.

ADVERTISEMENT

A full look at this latest big tackle (UK/IRE only):

Related Articles

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    New Zealand Rugby Brawl

  • 62 WEEKS AGO

    Must see all in brawl

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking head shot in Ireland game sparks...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 17 HOURS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 17 HOURS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 38 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 14 HOURS AGO

    Jersey Reds player evicted from own home following club collapse

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Watch Namibian wingers display incredible speed against Uruguay

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Vakatawa signs for English Premiership side in sensational return to rugby

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Exclusive: 'The Aussie DNA is missing' - David Campese reflects on Wallaby exit and ponders the future of Aussie rugby

View All