ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Friday Jun 14, 2019

Liam Squire big performance includes thumping hit that injured his own shoulder

In only his second appearance this season, All Blacks and Highlanders flanker Liam Squire had a huge game against the Waratahs in Invercargill on Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

The blindside flanker has suffered from hip and knee injuries all season, but made his return last week against the Bulls, and was making his home return against the Australian outfit.

The Highlanders went into the game knowing they needed a bonus point win if they were to make the playoffs, but still were reliant on the Lions losing on Saturday and the Chiefs winning against the Melbourne Rebels without a bonus point.

WATCH: Bone-crunching Cam Clark hit forces knock on in Super Rugby

They did all they could, and were 42-7 up at half-time, with Squire showing no rustiness after such a long absence.

The Highlanders ended up winning 49-12, with Squire playing just under 50 minutes. But in that time, the 28-year-old laid down the marker to Steve Hansen ahead of the Rugby Championship and the World Cup in the coming months. He ran and tackled with a lot of aggression, making some key breaks.

This first half tackle on winger Cam Clark summed up his performance:

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite being clattered, Clark was unscathed but Squire had to leave the field worse for wear after the hit.

Regardless, it was a powerful shift and one that impressed onlookers at an important time in the season. With the Chiefs’ Sam Cane also making a return in the past weeks from a broken neck, Hansen will have fewer worries for the months ahead.

ADVERTISEMENT

In what was a big day for both the Highlanders and the Waratahs (who also had a very slim chance of making the playoffs), many Highlanders players stood up, and Squire was one of them.

The All Blacks number 6 shirt is there for the taking in 2019, and although it is late in the season for Super Rugby, the 23-cap Squire must certainly be a contender now.

Related Articles

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    New Zealand Rugby Brawl

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Must see all in brawl

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking head shot in Ireland game sparks...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 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

  • 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

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok fans given a scare as Kolbe takes back-breaking hit

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 5 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

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

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

  • 6 DAYS 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

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Brian O'Driscoll unburdens himself with huge confession in classic Guinness advert

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 10 HOURS AGO

    Vakatawa signs for English Premiership side in sensational return to rugby

  • 16 HOURS AGO

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

  • 19 HOURS AGO

    France give confirmation of Dupont return thanks to superhuman recovery

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Namibia captain’s World Cup over as he receives hefty ban following Dupont hit

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Kyle Sinckler surprises everyone with World Cup injury admission

View All