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Sun 29 Apr 2018 | 09:01
Joe Launchbury smashes Luther Burrell with 'humdinger' of a tackle

4
Comments

Wasps lock Joe Launchbury put in a crunching tackle on Luther Burrell on Sunday, knocking the centre clear off his feet. It was a clean hit and just what Wasps needed to set the tone for victory and an Aviva Premiership play-off berth.

Saints looked to get things going from deep in their own half when Burrell tried to make a break off a nice offload from fullback Ahsee Tuala, only to find himself smothered and levelled by the big lock. Moments later, Wasps collected a penalty stemming from the jarring hit.

Things did get tough late for the third-place Wasps after Northampton clawed their way back and made Wasps earn their berth. However, with two tries to Christian Wade and one from both Elliot Daly and Juan de Jongh, Wasps were too strong in the end.

Meanwhile, James Haskell was penalized for a questionable high tackle late in the match, which led him to label the sport "pathetic" in a post-match interview.

Wasps have now booked their spot in the playoffs with the 36-29 win on the back of a commanding Man of the Match performance by Danny Cipriani. 

Wasps travel to Newcastle Falcons this coming Saturday.

Credit: Raw Rugby/Getty Images

Posted By: davidharper

4 Comments

  • drg
    8:20 PM 30/04/2018

    Thumbs up because I agree with you, but to answer you, the reason stuff is difficult to just wave on is because of the combination of rugby being a business, there being hundreds of cameras, media influence, social media influence, mother's influence, rugby bosses influence, coaches, etc etc.

    Rather than the referee letting go stuff slide, it now has to be analysed, we analyse a man's performance (a man who chances are has a wealth of experience and knowledge, far vaster than our own) from the comfort of our wherevers... Bosses will question why he let that go, but not that, people will say "oh come on, that lack of action had a direct link to the play 100 phases later where a penalty was given..

    Rather than rugby being a group of people with a common interest enjoying the game, enjoying the drink with it and getting on with either watching or playing, we now analyse the shit out of everything and hold anyone accountable..

  • dancarter
    3:54 PM 30/04/2018

    Excellent tackle from Launchbury. Timed to perfection, hits him in the chest but doesn't go too high, head on the correct side and he smashes him into next week. He is such a good player.

  • jimmy23
    12:42 PM 30/04/2018

    I know I've tended to defend referees in the past but I'm with Haskell on this one (though they are just enforcing the laws set by World Rugby).

    I understand why these laws exist and I know it's intended to be for the good of the players but it's a contact sport, shit happens. Haskell's tackle was fine, what more could he have done to stop his arm from sliding up? If it's intentional or reckless then yes, it should be a penalty, but if it occurs out of something that's beyond their control then why isn't it waved?

  • im1
    12:39 PM 30/04/2018

    what's happened to rugby?

    too many gym monkey ****s like you are involved

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