ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday Mar 2, 2011

Mike Phillips vs Fabio Semenzato - The battle of the number nines

Mike Phillips vs Fabio Semenzato - The battle of the number nines

While Wales came out 24-16 victors over Italy in their Six Nations meeting on the weekend, there was a bit of a sub-plot as the two scrumhalfs on the day had quite the battle throughout the game.

Mike Phillips is hardly your traditional number nine when it comes to size and physicality. He’s an angry man that likes to get in the face of the opposition, and perhaps at times would probably be better served focussing his energy on other aspects of his game.

That said, he’s quite a unit and is comfortably the biggest scrumhalf playing the game at the highest level currently. Italy’s Fabio Semenzato, well, he isn’t.

Just 24 years old and recently capped by his country, the Treviso man is still finding his feet but had an outstanding game against Wales, in fact earning the Man of the Match award despite being on the losing side.

“I thought we was fantastic,” said Nick Mallet. “He controlled the game well, got stuck in and was everywhere, for a young guy in just his second game at this level he really stepped up to the plate.”

The two players, both in the same position but possessing totally different attributes, had a full go at each other, making for quite a fascinating contest. Phillips got the better of the first collision, ploughing through the smaller Italian, but Semenzato got his own back a little later, possibly not doing as much damage but certainly making the Welshman sit down .

Here’s a short clip highlighting those two moments from the match. A word of warning: you will be humming the song to yourself for the next few hours, at least.


   

Time: 01:51

ADVERTISEMENT

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

  • 24 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

  • 2 DAYS AGO

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

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 6 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

  • 2 DAYS 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

  • 19 HOURS AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 2 DAYS AGO

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

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All