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Watch: Young Aussie flyhalf produces Gregan-like effort to deny try with tackle of the year
By Sam Smith
One of the most inspiring cover tackles of the season has been produced by Melbourne Rebels young flyhalf Carter Gordon in their 26-22 win over Moana Pasifika.
Moana Pasifika looked certain to score after a long range break on a kick return sparked by fullback Danny Toala.
Toala found reserve midfielder Solomone Kata on an inside ball who burst through the Rebels defence before a wide pass found first five Lincoln McClutchie with a clear path to the corner.
McClutchie looked to have won the race and was in the process of diving over to score in the corner only to have the ball dislodged by a perfect swat by Carter Gordon making a last ditch effort.
Gordon's tackle dislodged the ball much like George Gregan's infamous tackle on All Black wing Jeff Wilson in 1994.
The tackle proved to be crucial as the score would have reduced the deficit to 26-22, or potentially 26-24 with the conversion, with eight minutes remaining.
As it were, Moana Pasifika produced their next try with just three minutes remaining making it difficult to snatch a last gasp win.
They did receive a final chance when Rebels centre Ray Nu'u was red carded for a high shot on Christian Lealiifano in the 80th minute, but McClutchie failed to find touch from the penalty allowing the Rebels to end the game.
The Rebels were able to hold on to secure their third win of the season and stay in the top eight over the Highlanders.
Head coach Kevin Foote credited Gordon's special effort as one of the key moments paving the Rebels' win.
"It wasn't pretty at times but we hung in," said Melbourne coach Kevin Foote.
"Carter Gordon's tackle in the corner, it was pretty special. It's good to get the win and I'm really proud."
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Latest Comments
The difference between Fassi and Le Roux?
Almost 100 tests. Fassi is growing from test to test and is already world class. It’s going to be difficult for Damian Willemse to usurp Fassi at 15 and may find himself destined as the utility back on the bomb squad.
South Africans love hating on their fullback. A proud tradition since Percy Montgomery (before he won us a World Cup). So I don’t pay much mind to the noise that follows anyone who puts on the 15 jersey for SA.
15 is a high risk, low reward position. You don’t dare drop a high ball, certainly don’t shank a kick into the stands. In fact if you’re not kicking 60m torpedoes into the opposition corners - stay at home.
And miss tackles? After everyone else on the team has let a break through - best you not miss!
Only Andre Joubert strikes me as a fullback that has been better than Willie. Yet Willie has been widely panned on a regular basis. Irritating.
Fassi is great. And I’m sure he’s learning a lot from Willie.
Go to commentsNo, Penney's win rate as a Super Rugby coach BEFORE he was given a 2 year contract here, was 23%. He came in with a very poor success rate at SR level.
This loser vibe was borne out over the SR season where we won only 4 games while losing 10. Finishing 9th in a 12 team competition & missing a QF spot was next level DOWN.
There's zero evidence that suggests we will win 10 games (70%) as you predict. I understand there may be new assistant coaches coming on board. At this stage, we can only hope for the best.
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