ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Faf de Klerk lauded for huge defence on much larger Nathan Hughes

BY davidharper  ·  Monday Jun 25, 2018

England got the better of South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday night in their final match, winning 25-10. However, the series was claimed by the Springboks and they’ll have plenty to be happy about moving forward, not the least of which is the play of scrum half Faf de Klerk, as Nathan Hughes found out first-hand after this brilliant tackle.

Much of the discussion revolving around this position is reserved for the likes of Conor Murray and Aaron Smith, two undisputed superstars. However, Faf deserves a place in the conversation again as after returning from the UK, he now has the Springbok machine hitting on all cylinders.

He was electric all series – kicking well, flying all over the place, and making a general nuisance of himself, all traits any good scrum half needs to be effective. 

Perhaps his best moment came in the third Test with this impressive tackle on massive Hughes.

In this one-on-one battle, one would think there is no way Hughes loses that matchup. However, De Klerk used his tenacity and quickness off the English scrum to close the gap and smother Hughes before the number 8 knew what hit him. 

While not the biggest of hits, it was an extremely heads-up and intelligent tackle. And it’s yet another example of size not always being the sole determining factor.

Coach Rassie Erasmus must certainly be pleased he decided to bring de Klerk back into the fold. 

Credit: Rugbypass/Getty Images

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 56 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 66 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 66 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The Gallagher Premiership is back - A thrilling match at Tottenham

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Sensational score at the Stadio Olympico

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 23 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 25 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 26 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

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

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 144 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All