Joost take down Lomu in ‘95. Image: John Parkin/AP
Rugby World Cup: Greatest hits [Watch]
Let’s take a look at the best tackles in Rugby World Cup history.
Joost take down Lomu in ‘95. Image: John Parkin/AP
From bone-crunching hits and game-defining tackles to spectacular 100m-chase-down try-savers and those hard-hitting messages sent to scrum halves, we’re about to dive into the heart-pounding world of the best tackles in Rugby World Cup history.
JOOST BRINGS DOWN LOMU
In the 1995 RWC final Joost van der Westhuizen, the Springbok scrumhalf, squares up against the colossal Jonah Lomu. In a moment that rugby dreams are made of, Joost stops the unstoppable force in its tracks. Lomu couldn’t find the try line that day, and the Boks found themselves champions.
At RWC 1995, not many people could stop Jonah Lomu ⛔️
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) February 20, 2021
At RWC 1995, not many people played like Joost van der Westhuizen 💥 pic.twitter.com/JKOnC6Ww84
BRIAN LIMA FLATTENS HOUGAARD
The 2003 Rugby World Cup featured a monumental collision between Brian “The Chiropractor” Lima and South African flyhalf Derrick Hougaard. Despite the Boks’ 60-10 victory, this match will forever be remembered as the day Lima made his presence felt.
🦴 There's a reason Brian Lima was called 'The Chiropractor.' 😳
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) January 25, 2023
🇼🇸 Happy birthday to the Samoan great, who appeared in a staggering five Rugby World Cups. pic.twitter.com/649ZIEaRmc
TINDAL SHOWS GREGAN WHO’S BOSS
The 2003 RWC final was more than just a match; it was a showdown. England’s Mike Tindall made sure everyone knew it. He put Aussie captain George Gregan in his place with a thumping tackle. It sent a message that England were here to win.
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When Tindall met Gregan 💥
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 26, 2020
Are you watching #RWC03Revisited?
Head over to ITV 4 and relive our finest moment… 🏆 pic.twitter.com/HqHtlYOai0
JAMES O’CONNOR CHASES DOWN TOMMY BOWE
Ireland may have won 15-6 in 2011 against Australia, but James O’Connor‘s 100m chase-down tackle in the 78th minute on Tommy Bowe stole the show. O’Connor reeled Bowe like a seasoned fisherman reels in a big catch, and O’Connor’s effort left us all hooked.
ALSO READ: Springboks vs Scotland preview: Kick-off time, squads, head-to-head
We're tired just watching this.
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 11, 2019
James O'Connor v Tommy Bowe.
Maxing out in top gear.
Too good. pic.twitter.com/oDm8lDQCvc
UNDERHILL SMASHES BARRETT
Sam Underhill smashed Jordie Barrett in the 2019 RWC semi final, this tackle was a prime example of England being up for it as they beat the reigning champs and dumped them out of the World Cup. It was a day when players in white jerseys weren’t shy about delivering big hits to their All Blacks opponents.
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From Joost’s giant-killing move to Underhill’s earth-shattering hit, these tackles remind us why we love rugby. They’re the moments that make you leap out of your seat, spill your drink, and hug your friends in celebration. Are there any great tackles missing from the list that you can think of? Let us know in the comments below.
