James Haskell great tackle on Census Johnston

A few weeks back we featured a story and video about James Haskell and life in France. He spoke about his England ambitions and why playing in the Top 14 will sharpen him up and help his game.

It seems to be doing the trick so far, as the 24 year old has already shown a marked improvement in his form and in Stade’s 9-9 draw with Toulouse in Round 8, he made his impact felt a few minutes from time.

Coming on as a sub, Haskell made this incredible hit on the 135kg front rower Census Johnston.

The score was tied at 9-9 at the time, with 2 minutes left, so the Toulouse coaching staff were furious at the ref for allowing the hit, as they had hoped a kickable penalty would be awarded for a ‘tip’ tackle. It was deemed legal though, and the match ended as a draw.

Against Edinburgh this weekend, Haskell made a nuisance of himself all day as the men from Paris won the match 33-7. He was involved in multiple turnovers and played a part in two of their tries, and almost scored his own, but was held up over the line.

Playing in a revitalised Stade Francais side, James Haskell looks to be making all the right moves towards reclaiming his place in the England team. Come the end of the year, we may well see him lose the dynamic pink for the slightly less glamorous, but far more cherished white.

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