Tue 19 Aug 2014 | 12:39
Southland score sensational try after big Willis Halaholo bump off

4
Comments

The ITM Cup started with a bang this past weekend, particularly in Invercargill as Southland beat Bay of Plenty 34-23. It was a scrappy game but they saved the best for last, with this wonder try that included a big knock, and a sensational kick.

The first round Championship clash between the two sides didn't offer much to write home about, but it did include a successful first run out for Lima Sopoaga, who scored 19 points on debut.

Steamers flyhalf Dan Hollinshead kept the visitors in the game but it took until the 70th minute for fans to be treated to a rare moment of brilliance, and brute force.

Replacement Willis Halaholo made a barnstorming run, smashing through Teddy Stanaway before Cardiff Vaega pulled a wonder kick out of nowhere to find fullback Junior Ngaluafe.

Poor Stanaway was out before even hitting the turf, so he'll need to watch the highlights reel to see what happened after being poleaxed. For those on hand, it was one of the moments of the night, and is no doubt already a contender for Try of the Season in the ITM Cup.

Sopoaga converted from the touchline, and Stanaway was carried off the field on a stretcher.

4 Comments

  • browner
    10:53 AM 02/10/2014

    Another face-on smash resulting in a semi-concussion. Another player commences his drift toward brain damage ( ala Shontayne Hape ) when will this sport learn, or amend the laws to promote/foster different techniques from Ball Carrier and Tackler?

    Replies from all the 'tough men' not required!

  • 10stonenumber10
    2:39 PM 20/08/2014

    Fair play going for the hit, but why did he lead with his face?

  • matt
    11:46 AM 20/08/2014

    If I was Jebb Sinclaire I'd be pretty annoyed right now...

  • darabman
    6:21 PM 19/08/2014

    Ugh, nasty contact. Amazing passage of play and try though!