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Mon 1 Jul 2013 | 09:07
Tamati Ellison's sensational pass puts Ben Smith in for the try

13
Comments

Despite going down 40-12 to the Crusaders in Dunedin, the Highlanders scored first through a piece of individual brilliance from Tamati Ellison, that resulted in a try for Ben Smith. It was just one of many great moments in an eventful Super Rugby game.

The Highlanders took the lead through Smith early in the game and when Hosea Gear scored later, they seemed in with a shout. However the red card sending off of Ma'a Nonu, for a spear tackle, didn't do them any favours and the Crusaders ran away with things.

Early on it was all about that Ellison pass though, as he got the ball under pressure, fended with one hand in the tackle then spun around to pull off one of the greatest passes of the season, if not ever.

"I don't care what you call it, that's the greatest pass I think I've ever seen," said commentator Scotty Sumo Stevenson live on air.

The former All Black was humble when reacting to it on Twitter, giving credit to Smith.

"You can throw anything at @bensmithotago and he will score!" said the centre.

Obviously it was all about the Crusaders on the night, who were outstanding and scored some great tries of their own, but this Ellison pass really was a thing of beauty.

While the Lions tour of Australia is obviously big news right now, if there was any action you spotted in Super Rugby or at the RWC Sevens that you think should be shared on here, please get in touch by dropping us an email, tweeting, or leaving a request on the forum.

Posted By: Grant Constable

13 Comments

  • hendogo
    5:41 PM 12/02/2014

    With stuff like this, why are the Highlanders so bad year after year?

  • vannrugby
    12:27 PM 02/07/2013

    "seemed like they were in it the whole game." : sadly it's the story of the highlanders this season. They build up some very good phases, but it often ends up with a turnover, an interception, or another mistake. And they are horrible defensively. But we can still admire the skills of B.Smith, H.Gear and T.Ellison. However Nonu is absolutely rubbish with the Landers, it's not the same player with the AB shirt on his shoulders.

  • juggernauter
    4:39 AM 02/07/2013

    Yeah he's having his heart condition checked every 6 months I think, it's something he's combined with playing top flight rugby, not like he had a sudden stroke or something, should be back in 2014. And what a player he is.

  • juggernauter
    4:37 AM 02/07/2013

    Fair point, but I'd rather think it was just a blip (albeit a pretty big one), but he's back at running those odd and great lines that made him famous!

    Although I do remember one specially ugly spear tackle on Gordon D'Arcy playing for the ABs against Ireland in Dublin...

  • drg
    10:52 PM 01/07/2013

    Just googled it, something to do with Rheumatic fever he suffered as a 20 yr old, and his heart condition (or something similar) has been deteriorating over the last 6 months, so he needs to have another op.

    I'd imagine it's 'serious' but a very pre-planned op, not an emergency "quick he won't last the next 10 minutes" sort of thing :/

  • stroudos
    10:13 PM 01/07/2013

    "Freuan out for he season having heart surgery"
    ?!?!?!?!?
    Jesus. First I've heard about that. How serious is it? (Other than serious enough to require surgery).

  • 10:07 PM 01/07/2013

    I'd settle for the Wallabies' backs being able to pass both ways.

  • benny
    9:12 PM 01/07/2013

    Steps one, draws in two and convinces a fourth to come off his line for an intercept. Not to mentioned changing hands in contact before throwing that pass. Amazing.

    RD, you ask if you missed anything. How about highlights of that whole game, or at least the last try at the death. So entertaining, the highlanders were smashed but somehow seemed like they were in it the whole game.

  • drg
    7:42 PM 01/07/2013

    ....Not entirely sure I'd class getting red carded for a spear tackle as part of Nonu's best form....

  • paimoe
    4:21 PM 01/07/2013

    Yeah, been watching Crotty for years play well in the Crusaders/Canterbury. Hope he gets a chance at some point. Nothing flash but super reliable

  • juggernauter
    3:09 PM 01/07/2013

    Forgot to include Tom Taylor there!

  • juggernauter
    3:06 PM 01/07/2013

    Amazing, but Liam Williams did a similar thing (though the ball travelled a shorter distance) against Japan and hardly anybody noticed haha.

    On a side note, what a tough job Hansen has ahead of him regarding the centres. Although Ma'a is rediscovering his devastating best form, the loss of Ellison and Kahui to Japan, Conrad Smith on a second semestre sabbatical, Freuan out for he season having heart surgery and Ranger off to Montpellier (even if it is against his will), he should just pay attention to this game's roster. Ryan Crotty and Tom Marshall are two excellent options, as are Ben Smith , Jason Emery and Shaun Treeby. I'd especially like to see Treeby and Crotty in there.

    Cheers

  • technomouse
    1:05 PM 01/07/2013

    "Please show me again, and show me quick!" haha I love Justin Marshall's commentary.

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