Mon 17 Jul 2017 | 06:22
Steam train Tongan Thor runs straight through Lima Sopoaga

3
Comments

Young Taniela Tupou was once again at his rampaging best this past weekend as he easily turned Lima Sopoaga into a speed bump during the Reds loss to the Highlanders on Friday.

Tongan Thor has already amassed quite the impressive highlight reel filled with victims left in his wake, including now, this shot on an All Black fly half.

With the Reds down 14-0 in the first half, Tupou caught a pass and had Sopoaga in his sights from several metres away. The playmaker did his best to hold ground and go low, but was bowled over all the same. It was enough, however, to slow the big man down for backup to arrive.

Fortunately, Sopoaga saw the lighter side of things and sent this Tweet.

Unfortunately for Tupou and the Reds, it was probably the only thing worth noting from their 40-17 season-ending loss in Dunedin. Waisake Naholo got the scoring started in the first five minutes for the home team as they outscored the guests six tries to three.

The Reds will have to wait until next year to avenge the loss as their season has come to a close. Meanwhile, the Highlanders have advanced to their qualifier against the Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch this coming Saturday.

Credit: Rugbypass/NZ RugbyVidz Super 18

3 Comments

  • rugbydump
    3:42 PM 19/07/2017

    Alesana kind of lifted his knee for that one whereas Tupou doesn't really. Similar but I think we all agree that Tuilagi's was very harsh, so nothing wrong with this one
    You can watch that here https://youtu.be/Z5o5Q0wRbCo

  • moo
    10:08 AM 19/07/2017

    Not sure it compares, Dr G. The tackler bounces off his thighs more than anything else.

    The commentary reminds me of a half-time talk from one of my old coaches at school, when we were faced with a particularly large-for-his-age lock forward who was making yards at every carry. "Lads, when the big bugger runs at you, pick a leg and hang on!"

  • drg
    6:42 PM 18/07/2017

    Haven't yet compared, but if you were to post a related topic, would Tuilagi's card (red?) against Japan(?) Be appropriate?