Tongan ex All Black smashes Josua Tuisova in rarest sight in rugby
People thought it could not be done. Week after week fans have watched Fiji and soon to be Racing 92 star Josua Tuisova run out in the Top 14 and obliterate any tackler that plucked up the courage to try and stop him.
The 113kg centre seems to take victims on a minute by minute basis in France, but he finally met his match on Saturday at Churchill Park against Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup.
It took all 111kg of Tonga No8, and ex All Black, Vaea Fifita to achieve something that up until then all rugby experts thought was impossible. That was to smash Tuisova backwards. The forward flew out of the line to catch the Fijian standing still, and smashed straight into his ribs, causing the centre to fall to the ground. But smashing Tuisova to the ground is one thing, keeping him down is another thing entirely.
No sooner was Tuisova hit than he was springing straight back to his feet and carrying the ball a further two metres. Not only that, but two phases later he was scoring his own try courtesy of a dummy. Not a bad way to bounce back after being hit.
Take a look at the tackle:
Fiji XV: 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Sam Matavesi, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Levani Botia, 8. Albert Tuisue, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Selesitino Ravutaumada, 12. Josua Tuisova, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (captain), 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15. Sireli Maqala
Reserves: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Luke Tagi, 19. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20. Vilimate Mata, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Semi Radradra
Tonga XV: 1. Siegfrtied Fisi’ihoi, 2. Siua Maile, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Halaleva Fifita, 5. Samiuela Lousi, 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7. Solomone Funaki, 8. Vaea Fifita, 9. Sonatane Takulua (captain), 10. Otumaka Mausia, 11. Solomone Kata, 12. Malakai Fekitoa, 13. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 14. Fine Inisi, 15. Salesi Piutau
Reserves: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Feao Fotuaika, 18. Tau Koloamatangi, 19. Sitiveni Mafi, 20. Sione Vailanu, 21. Manu Paea, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Kyren Taumoefolau
