ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Aaron Smith left red faced as speedy opposite number steals a bullet behind the line

BY Grant Constable  ·  Monday Apr 19, 2021

Rapid Blues halfback Jonathan Ruru showed outstanding speed and skill to snatch one from arguably the best number nine in the world when the Blues took on the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Ruru, who some will remember was a close second to Beauden Barrett in the Blues’ Bronco speed tests a year ago, claimed top spot in this year’s reason fitness test, coming within four seconds of the record.

In 2020 Barrett produced one of the quickest Bronco times seen by a professional rugby player in New Zealand, completing the 1.2km test in 4 minutes 12 seconds.

This year, with Barrett on sabbatical, Ruru topped the group with a hugely impressive 4 min 16 seconds time.

While against the Highlanders he wasn’t required to do the 20m, 40m and 60m shuttles, he showed that kind of athletic ability when he snatched this try from a trademark Aaron Smith bullet pass behind the tryline.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by rugby.com.au (@rugbycomau)

ADVERTISEMENT

Smith is widely regarded as one of the best passes of a rugby ball in the world, so that flat spin pass would have had a fair bit of torque on it.

While Ruru probably planned it after studying Smith’s game, to get in position and hold onto it was impressive, creating a try from a position we don’t often see.

ALSO WATCH: Smith’s captain’s referral turned down after swinging arm

Despite the good start to the game for the Blues, and a late consolation try, the Highlanders claimed the honours with a 35-29 win.

Related Articles

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Five of the best tries from the Investec...

  • 40 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth -...

  • 41 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'It was an easy decision for me' - Saints star commits to future

View All