Thomas Ramos treats Bok-laden Sharks with absolute contempt
Toulouse and France fullback Thomas Ramos might well have produced the most relaxed piece of play in rugby this year, maybe ever, against the Sharks in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
Up against a Sharks side that is loaded with Springboks, the 27-year-old found himself sprinting back towards his line in the first half to cover a kick from Boeta Chamberlain. With the ball just feet from his own line and with Lukhanyo Am breathing down his neck, the Frenchman pulled off one of the most audacious and nonchalant pieces of play ever.
Ramos decided to kick the ball along the floor about ten metres to his left to Romain Ntamack, who was able to clear the ball to touch. It was as relaxed as any player could be on a rugby pitch.
Take a look at the ice running through Ramos’ veins:
⚽️ @ThomRamos15 or @SergioRamos? 🤔
Calmness personified from Thomas Ramos as he channels his inner footballer to pass the ball to Ntamack in his own end zone 😎#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/ZOT8EtgmxS
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) April 8, 2023
The Sharks are taking on the five time European champions without star lock Eben Etzebeth, who injured his shoulder in the round of 16 win over Munster. The second-row has been ruled out for the rest of the season, and Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell has even confirmed he will miss the start of the Rugby Championship.
“In terms of how long he will be out for, I think it’s quite a long time,” Powell told reporters. “I’m not 100 per cent sure, but probably 12 or 14 weeks.
“I don’t think he’ll play for us again this season, but he will definitely be ready for the World Cup.”
