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Thu 15 Dec 2011 | 10:01
The Matt Hopper reverse pirate pass vs Toulouse

19
Comments

Here's a quick look at a great moment from the Harlequins vs Toulouse game in the Heineken Cup last weekend. Former Cornish Pirates player Matt Hopper pulled off this fantastic pass as Quins counter-attacked down field.

It's worth watching if you've not seen it, and we're happy to have it as part of the archive on here, which includes many other great bits of skill. View the related posts below for a similar pass from Brian O'Driscoll, and make sure you're following RD on Twitter and Facebook for regular updates.

Posted By: Grant Constable

19 Comments

  • kettlerugby
    2:46 PM 11/04/2012

    sick play

  • number11
    1:57 AM 18/12/2011

    this is brilliant, great to see Quins with some class in the centres, we need Lowe on form as well if we are to compete with teams like Toulouse

  • sp1nlo0p
    1:47 AM 17/12/2011

    for sure the next big thing going to be worked on by the boys at the next training session ;)

  • askelkana
    11:58 AM 16/12/2011

    Sigh! I think the commentators were trying to see how may pirate-related puns and quips they could muster. Very droll, to be sure, me hearties.

    Interesting thought: since Cornishmen don't consider themselves English, and, genetically speaking, have more affinity with the Welsh, should Wales be their default nation to play for?

  • 10:59 AM 16/12/2011

    I should add that we don't have any difficulty picking older players if they have failed to make the grade for their home nation....

  • 5:56 AM 16/12/2011

    Great pass I love the risk taking, even Barnes wasn't hating for a change!

    Agreed on the notion that England doesn't pick older club players, which is very short sighted. I think the AB's did alright picking up Brad Thorn after his rugby league career.

    The bottom line that most people miss is that you pick winners, not attributes. Players who find ways to win, rather than have the skills that should help you win, are the ones I want.

  • rugbydump
    10:43 PM 15/12/2011

    Hi Charlie, it's possible the problem is on your side. Perhaps clear your browser cache, try a different browser, or update your Adobe Flash player. Let us know if you have any probs after that, thanks.

  • 4:57 PM 15/12/2011

    I didn't say they were good young players ...

  • 4:57 PM 15/12/2011

    Exactly. I think Allen is a case in point - he is now unfairly tarred with the 'international failure' brush when he has done more than enough to earn another chance now that his game has a developed.

  • rugbydump
    4:29 PM 15/12/2011

    Yep another great pass, so that'll be posted either tonight or tomorrow.

  • pretzel
    4:08 PM 15/12/2011

    I'd definitely agree with that, there are many times when "kids" are stuck into an England shirt and have not reached full potential (therefore cracking under superior pressure for seasoned teams) and are then swept aside because they'll "never make it."

    There needs to be a bit of a plan regarding a focus on GOOD PLAYERS almost regardless of their age, obviously picking a good player who is in his mid 30's probably isn't the best idea.

  • 3:56 PM 15/12/2011

    They are the exception though - the selectors eyes are always on the youngster and sometimes they get shoved in too early (Tait for example) when some players get unfairly labelled good club players who won't make the step up.

  • buzzkillington
    3:07 PM 15/12/2011

    Lol, the complete opposite is the truth. England historically has been terrible at breeding young players. We're far behind most nations in this regard.

  • coops
    2:29 PM 15/12/2011

    ...Nick Easter and Shaun Perry.

    So there's a 50% success rate on later developing players - going on the idea that Perry was pretty pants for England and Easter has been, on the whole, OK.

  • pretzel
    1:53 PM 15/12/2011

    Should of seen the reverse pirate manoeuvre he performed in the showers after the game.... ;)

  • 12:36 PM 15/12/2011

    Great stuff - people like Hopper (ie those who develop later) have a history of being overlooked by England as we (like many other countries) have become obsessed those who stand out as teenagers/u21s.

    I hope if his form continues he comes into contention - he might be lucky that there is not massive competition in the centres at the moment beyond Manu.

  • zakalwe
    12:29 PM 15/12/2011

    What about Shalk Brits beauty of an offload against the Ospreys to set up a try?

  • johndoe
    12:09 PM 15/12/2011

    BOD 2.0 Reminds me of a young O'Driscoll. Pass was beautiful. Floated perfectly.

  • jeroz
    11:40 AM 15/12/2011

    always love those no look passes when they stick.

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