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Fri 14 Aug 2015 | 12:20
James Schrader's sensational try saving tackle in the opening round of the ITM Cup

12
Comments

The ITM Cup, New Zealand's two-tier domestic competition, kicked off in Invercargill with Southland and Auckland battling to a 23-23 draw. Above is a quite extraordinary moment from the game, one of the best try-saving tackles you're likely to see this year.

Both sides had chances to snatch the win at the death, but weren't able to make their kicks as first Ash Moeke struck the post a few minutes from time, then Auckland debutant Mitchell Hunt's fulltime kick sailed wide.

Expansive play earlier in the match led to Lolagi Visinia coming incredibly close to scoring a try, first being pulled down by his bootlaces, and then in the process of stretching to score, Southland replacement James Schrader came out of nowhere to scoop up the ball.

It was almost comical, and certainly effective, even if he did possibly ground it himself.

Posted By: Grant Constable

12 Comments

  • stroudos
    11:32 AM 21/08/2015

    Fair enough. :)

  • breakaway
    8:01 AM 18/08/2015

    Although the commentators seemed to convince themselves (as commentators so often do), I don't think it's at all clear on the video that the ball was forced. And the assistant referee could hardly have been in a better position to judge it.
    It also looks to me as if the ball carrier knew he wasn't quite at the line which is why he hung the ball out there for that fatal split second.
    If the ball hadn't reached the line and Schrader had grabbed it and forced it, then I can only see "carried back" as the call. Though looking at these replays I'm not sure that even a TMO could've sorted it out definitively anyway. For what it's worth, on the video evidence I'm ok with the way it played out.

  • drg
    11:03 PM 17/08/2015

    I got what you meant Dan, but as you said 'the line between being a hero and a villain' I was merely commenting on the outbursts that could have come from the connections had they happened....

    We're all sitting here amazed (flabbergasted if you will) and the brilliance of that try saver, but we've seen the mountains of hate comments when something like this goes wrong...

    "he could have died"...

  • danknapp
    9:52 PM 17/08/2015

    I think you misunderstand me. His challenge was perfect and completely fair. No qualms from me whatsoever. I was more making the point that had he connected, he'd have got a card of some description, which seems harsh.

    The top level of this game is played on such fine margins, which is compelling watching.

  • stroudos
    2:06 PM 17/08/2015

    So, is the commentator right in saying it should be a 22 dropout? I think he is: attacking player moved the ball over the tryline, defender grounded it.

    Would be interested if anyone better-informed on the laws could clarify.

  • kadova
    12:11 AM 17/08/2015

    Fantastic, I love it ! Like the commentator said, unreal !

  • jeri
    10:04 AM 16/08/2015

    *YOINK!*

  • heavyhooker
    7:09 PM 15/08/2015

    Actually it was a perfectly formed slide as the body position was such that the body was mostly parallel to the attacker so if the head had been a little farther forward it would have made contact with with Schader's body. It is when you lead with the feet and knees that things get into the reckless area I would say. I cannot remember who it was a couple of years back but the player led with the knees and was basically fetal when he made contact.

    Beauty form and timing though. How many of us wish we could do something like that.

  • drg
    2:05 AM 15/08/2015

    hmmm red card, ban, reckless, worlds of hate.... I see what you mean..

  • jimmy23
    7:33 PM 14/08/2015

    Ha! Slick as you like

  • danknapp
    5:44 PM 14/08/2015

    Had the attacking player had his head a few inches further forward and we'd be seeing a video of him having his head taken off. It was a marvellous piece of play, I'm not complaining in the least, just making the point that the line between being a hero and a villain is incredibly fine.

    I've never seen that in a game before, delighted to see it.

  • drg
    3:13 PM 14/08/2015

    Brilliant effort and great to see. On the flip side, very harsh, within inches and all of a sudden you're stripped of the ball!

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