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Josh van der Flier set a new Pro14 record at the weekend for the most amount of tackles made in a single game.
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The flanker made an incredible 34 tackles against Connacht, during a Leinster performance that was largely characterised by a strong defensive display.
Leo Cullen’s side beat Connacht by 21 points to 18 and moved to within just two points of the Scarlets.
The flanker’s display was a timely reminder for the Irish international to send Joe Schmidt with the Six Nations drawing ever closer.
The 24-year-old made a colossal 34 tackles but perhaps even more impressive, managed to not miss a single one.
His performance personified the Leinster spirit, with Leinster withstanding a 28 phase attack in the final play of the game.
💪This is @joshvdf making one of his 34 tackles v @connachtrugby
🔒34 tackles is a @PRO14Official record since @OptaJonny began tracking those stats in 2010.🎯 Oh, and he didn't miss any either! #GUINNESSPRO14 #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/dBPF3Heg3s
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) January 2, 2018
In what is a hugely competitive position at Leinster, the Wicklow man has managed to compete and even thrive, making a total of 59 tackles and eight turnovers in his eight outings this season.
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Leinster scrum coach John Fogarty spoke highly of van der Flier, saying “he’s got an incredible appetite for work.”
“He has become very, very accurate over the last few seasons so his entries into contact have improved hugely.”
“That has led to good outcomes and he doesn’t get himself injured too much because of his good work on his entry into contact.”
“He is a really good example to a young player as to how they should apply themselves and he’s a great example for our guys, young and old.”
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“To throw out numbers like that is pretty impressive and it’s due to his appetite for work.”
Credit: Leinster Rugby
Van der Flier received his first call-up to the senior Ireland squad by coach Joe Schmidt on 20 January 2016 for the 2016 Six Nations Championship and made his debut for Ireland on 27 February 2016 against England in the 2016 Six Nations Championship at Twickenham.
