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'I have a new favourite All Blacks player' - fans react to Clarke's phenomenal run-on debut
By Online Editors
All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke has sent social media into a frenzy after running riot against the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park. In his first start for the national side, Clarke ran for more than 130 metres and beat 14 defenders in what was almost a perfect performance from the exciting talent.
Clarke had plenty of impact in his test debut last Sunday, where he played 11 minutes off the bench. Even with limited minutes, there were glimpses of his brilliance in Wellington.
But a run-on debut at his home venue gave the 21-year-old the chance to well and truly announce himself to the world.
Every time he touched the ball, he created headaches for the Wallabies defence, and proved tough to bring down with his unquestionable pace and strength.
Arguably the highlight of the game came five minutes after half-time, when the winger ran 35 metres and through five Australian defenders. The play then looked dead and buried as five Wallabies players crowded him, but he managed to stay on his feet, and run another 10.
Clarke's brilliance and skill is simply beyond his years.
The break caught Australia on the back foot, which let Ardie Savea scored a pivotal try in the next phase. Savea's try was the All Blacks' second in under six minutes to start the second half, and let them gain complete control of the fixture.
With 12 minutes to go in the match, Clarke was subbed off for Damian McKenzie. It was in itself one of the more special moments to come from the test, as the Auckland crowd gave their new hometown hero a standing ovation.
Fans on Twitter have thrown their support behind the up-and-comer, raving about his strength and desire, with one supporter impressed with how he ‘won’t give up.’
Such a fun kid to watch. You can really see his passion and downright enjoyment of the game!
— SherryleRussell (@daisy86sunshine) October 18, 2020
ain’t he going to be a delight to watch for years to come!!
— Michael Mc Mahon (@MacMathuna1978) October 18, 2020
I have a new favourite All Blacks player for the first time since Ma'a Nonu retired: Caleb Clarke. The Aussies might as well try to tackle a tree!
— HockeyControversial.com (@Hockey_017) October 18, 2020
This guy is one of the best athletes in the world. Convince me otherwise.
— . (@RydOrDi33) October 18, 2020
The All Blacks number 11 jersey is famous in itself for the calibre of players who have run out in a test match wearing it. More recently the likes of Julian Savea and Rieko Ioane have impressed on the left wing, with their brutal and effective running styles.
But after just one match in the starting side, fans are already drawing comparisons between Clarke and the late great, Jonah Lomu.
the next Jonah Lomu ??
— don corleone?? (@CalebThaG) October 18, 2020
Julian Savea was compared to the late, great Lomu and he can now no longer get into the All Blacks. I guess the comparisons are inevitable, but people need to let Clarke be his own man.
— James Laurence (@_jameslt) October 18, 2020
Like Lomu?
— Brody (@SHiraoForever) October 18, 2020
Bledisloe III will be held across the Tasman in Sydney on October 31st before a potential decider is played in Brisbane a week later. On the back of his performance, injury permitting, it seems unlikely that Clarke won’t feature.
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Latest Comments
You forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time.
Go to commentsDanny don't care. He pretends to care but he don't. He says all this stuff to justify his reasoning but no one can claim that legitimately. He knew exactly what he was doing and wondered if his old team mate would overlook it, which he did. Ref has got to be sidelined or properly trained. It's one thing for refs to move up the ranks but if it was me I would require refs to either have played in different clubs or not at all having the temptation to bias in high stakes games like this. This has got to be stamped out. But then again World Rugby is so destroying the game of rugby in an attempt to be more “safe” and “concussion free”. What they are doing is making it more infuriating for the fans and more difficult for the refs to officiate evenly and consistently. It's fast become Australian Rules football. If guys don't want concussions, they should have played chess. Stop complaining you oldies of the game. When they played the game was vastly heavier hitting than it is now but of course they can't see that.
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