Sunday Social: High IQ Eben Etzebeth, tackle height and an excellent backline

Dylan Coetzee
Sunday Social: Split with Eben Etzebeth

It is time for Planet Rugby’s Sunday Social, your quirky recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past week’s action.

SMASH AND GRAB! Eben Etzebeth coming at Harlequins like a thief in the night with this bizarre yet outstanding try as he grabs the ball from beneath Danny Care’s feet to gallop through and score. Joe Marler’s long arm bind means the ball is out. Genius from the Springbok.

Etzebeth not only stole Quins’ ball but stole fans’ hearts as he handed a young fan his boots after the game. The youngster could probably sleep in those boots! Look at the size of them.

The internet remains undefeated! This is an excellent post in response to the Rugby Football Union’s announcement that only waist-high tackles will be allowed in community rugby from next season. The announcement certainly has not gone down well with a huge portion of the rugby fraternity, and meme culture did not take long to have its say.

Love this bit of banter from Luke Cowan-Dickie, who responds to the RFU announcement by offering seminars as he has been given a lot of stick for his grass cutter or very low tackles. Fair play, Luke.

Inspirational! Siya Kolisi’s sphere of influence extends beyond rugby as he gives a teamtalk to the Paarl Royals from the SA20 cricket competition. The Springbok captain speaks about the role of sportsmen in lifting the public mood and happiness. It is clear to see why all the big Springbok stars are always ready to run through walls for Siya.

Out of their comfort zone but embracing it fully! The Bulls traded warm summer weather for cold, snowy weather this week and embraced it with a snow rugby ball. It is one of the beautiful aspects of South African rugby’s shift up north, experiencing different weather and different cultures.

News everyone loves to see. Bulls and Springbok star S’bu Nkosi gave an update on his mental health after a tough period where the wing has taken some time away from rugby. It will be a blessing to see the World Cup winner return to the field.

Brutally brilliant. A rebrand to Exodus Chiefs for the Premiership side, which is set to lose a number of experienced players at the end of the season, including Sam Simmonds, Luke Cowan-Dickie and likely Jack Nowell, amongst others.

Genuinely heard worse auditions to The Voice! Lovely stuff from Ospreys, who became the first Welsh side to beat Leicester Tigers at Welford Road. What a vibe in that changing room and well deserved.

When Russian dolls meets rugby. An epic concept by this store in Prague, who seemed to have covered a very large number of teams. A unique bit of rugby memorabilia, that is. Epic stuff and one for the bar top.

Lovely banter coming out of the Munster camp. A cheeky edit sees scrum-half Craig Casey working hard with the battle ropes only to cut to a different angle, and it is Simon Zebo’s shoelaces! Got to love it.

This backline would be illegal; there is no two ways about it. All Blacks veteran Aaron Smith picks his best all-time backline, and it is pure filth. From the vision of half-back pairing Fourie du Preez and Dan Carter to the power of Jonah Lomu and Ma’a Nonu to the pace of Bryan Habana and the class of Brian O’Driscoll and Ben Smith. Simply outrageous, that is.

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