Leinster beat Cardiff Blues 29-20 in the Magners League last weekend, scoring a late penalty that snatched the losing bonus point away from the Welsh region. One of the moments of the match though was this great hit by Kiwi Xavier Rush.
Centre Fergus McFadden kicked 21 points for Leinster, but it was Blues number eight Rush who put in the biggest hit of the match, with this cracking blindside hit on flanker Kevin McLaughlin.
Rush, who captained namesake Auckland Blues to Super 12 titles, also played for the All Blacks on eight occasions. Hes a talismanic figure who unfortunately for Cardiff Blues, will be leaving to play for Ulster at the end of the season.
There was talk of Rush being linked to a move to the new Super Rugby franchise, the Melbourne Rebels, as well as a move to Japan, but Rush chose to stay up north after having lived there since 2005.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time living in Wales, representing and captaining the Cardiff Blues has been a real honour,” Rush said. “Over the years I have developed many friendships that will last a lifetime.
“However, my original intention having moved from New Zealand in 2005 was always to experience life in Europe and after five years in the capital city of Wales, which has been a real privilege, I feel the time is right for a change before I consider the future following my playing career,” he said.
The Blues loss is Ulsters gain as Rush is a powerful ball carrier, has great hands, works like an ox, and as you can see here, hits incredibly hard.
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