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):

Comments




Related Articles

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    New Zealand Rugby Brawl

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Must see all in brawl

  • 89 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking head shot in Ireland game sparks...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 HOUR AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 21 HOURS AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All