The USA’s 74-6 defeat to New Zealand was emphatic to say the least, and while early on in the match they appeared to match them physically, it was men against boys by the end. Never was it more apparent than when Augustine Pulu smashed the USA hooker.
A rare opportunity to attack down the wing gave the Eagles a bit of hope of scoring that elusive first ever try against the All Blacks, but replacement hooker Tom Coolican was forced to put the ball to boot, and demolished by Pulu in the process.
The Counties Manukau halfback was playing his first Test for the men in black, and made quite an impression with this particular shot, executing it perfectly as he knocking Coolican off the park.
Pulu was first brought into the All Blacks squad when Tawera Kerr-Barlow picked up a bad knee injury during their loss to South Africa in Johannesburg last month.
The 24-year-old was on the radar after a good season with the Chiefs, and some impressive outings for Counties in the ITM Cup. Coach Steve Hansen said he was an ‘obvious selection’.
“The selectors have been watching Augustine for awhile, he is an exciting young player and we think the next obvious choice at halfback. We would like to congratulate him on his selection and we are looking forward to working with him,” Hansen said last month.
While he’s probably fourth choice if everyone is fit, he’ll do well to continue taking the chances afforded to him, and at some stage will no doubt get a start against a top flight side. Even if he doesn’t, this tackle will be a nice memory to hang on to for some time to come.
View highlights of the USA vs New Zealand
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