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'So smart': Eben Etzebeth's quick thinking stuns Harlequins with crafty runaway try

(Source/Champions Cup)

Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth came up with a cunning piece of play to stun Harlequins at the Stoop stealing the ball from the base of the ruck and streaking 40 metres away untouched to score.

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His unique try exploited rules around unbound players at the ruck which saw Harlequins prop Joe Marler detach early with an improper bind.

That meant the ball was live, allowing Etzebeth to stalk around the breakdown and pinch the ball out of the scrumhalf Danny Care’s hands.

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Harlequins were setting up a box kick at the time and were left confused by the play, not reacting in time to be able to chase down the Springbok lock.

A counter-ruck push by a Sharks forward was the catalyst for Marler’s bind becoming unbound, with Etzebeth timing his poach perfectly.

Etzebeth’s quick thinking highlighted the dangers of caterpillar rucking if officials are going to enforce the binding rules properly.

Early in the second half a similar situation unfolded as Harlequins set up to exit via a box kick, but this time Marler made sure his bind was correct.

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Former England flyhalf Andy Goode heaped praise on Etzebeth and explained why the try stood after a review.

Etzebeth was widely praised by fans on Twitter for exposing the caterpillar ruck while England’s experienced Test duo Care and Marler were criticised for their lack of accuracy and effort on the play.

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The Harlequins outscored the Sharks by five tries to four in the end to secure a spot in the Round of 16 with a 39-29 win.

 

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MS 36 minutes ago
Andy Farrell answers burning Owen Farrell Lions question

I can understand negotiations for Kinghorn, White, and Ribbans. All three are playing very, very well at the current time. Kinghorn has been a leading contended for some time now; Ribbans looks as powerful as he’s ever been; while on the evidence of the most recent Six Nations, White benches behind JGP at Scrumhalf.


However, noone in their right mind should be considering Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, nor Owen Farrell. Sinckler looks unfit and can barely move around the field with any great urgency. He would be a liability on tour to Australia. Lawes is clearly ‘enjoying life’ in ProD2, and his rugby looks every bit second tier level now.


As for Farrell, not only has he been plagued by poor form and injury since moving to Racing, even the much vaunted ‘kicking record’ has long since been debunked as a USP with a percentage that simply does not stand up to scrutiny. That leaves only the intangible (desperate…) claim he would add ‘leadership’, which in a Lions squad resplendent with talent and international caps is I’m afraid, much like Farrell, a complete non-starter.


Willis is the elephant in the room…a leader and standout option for one of the best club teams in the World. Yet still a relative unknown at Test Match level. I could well see him being included on the tour - and it would prove quite the headache for the RFU if he delivers. But Back Row is so competitive across all three positions, and with genuine World Class talent there too. I’m just not sure the Lions need him.

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