Relive 2009's biggest moments
It has been a long season for the players in 2009. The Six Nations, the Lions series, the Tri-Nations all followed and interspersed by numerous domestic tournaments. But hell, there have been some pretty incredible moments to keep us interested!
We took a look back over the year that was and selected our favourite moments of 2009.
Bulls v Chiefs, Super 14 Final
Loftus Versveld
The Bulls are well known for suffocating the opposition. Hitting it up in the forwards and kicking to the corners. It was much the same for the bulk of the 2009 Super 14, but in the final against the Chiefs they unleashed their backline with devastating consequences for the unlucky Kiwis.
Wave after wave of attack was launched by the home side, spurred on by the fanatical Loftus support, and by half-time the game was all, but won. It just got worse for the Chiefs after the break, however, as the South Africans went up a gear, eventually smashing the visitors 61-17 in one of the most lopsided Super 14 final ever.
Morne Steyn, Springboks v Lions
Loftus Versveld
It is hard to believe Morne Steyn almost missed out on Springbok selection this season. Thankfully saner heads prevailed and his name will be forever sealed in history for his heroics in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
The Lions, after losing the first Test in Durban, were all over the Boks in Pretoria and for much of the game it looked as if we would head to Johannesburg level in the series. But the stage was set for a hero and when Steyn stepped up in front of the Loftus faithful to line up that kick, it was clear he was up for the challenge.
The Lions can justifiably see this as the Test that got away from them, but in the end the scoreline favoured the Boks and the series was theirs.
Cardiff v Leicester
Heineken Cup shoot-out
Sure, the jury is out on whether or not rugby games should be decided by penalty shoot-outs, and personally, we felt the joy and the pain of this one. But the drama was undeniable, making the penalty shoot-out between the Cardiff Blues and Leicester one of the moments of the year.
In the end it came down to a miss from Cardiff veteran Martin Williams – a more likeable fellow you could not find – that decided the game. The poor chap probably never thought he would have to endure a moment like that…
Leicester’s joy was short-lived, however, as they went on to lose in the final to Leinster.
Beast demolishes the Lions scrum
Absa Stadium, Durban
The Lions made no secret of the fact that they were going to attack the Springboks up front. Seeing John Smit as the weak link at tighthead, they may have forgotten about the Beast Mtawarira on the other side of the scrum… it would prove costly.
From the very first hit, Beast has Phil Vickery’s number, and he smashed the veteran prop for the remainder of the game, before he was finally replaced by Adam Jones. The damage was already done, however, and the Beast had provided the Boks with a vital platform from which to attack.
Ireland v Wales
Millenium Stadium
The Springboks may have enjoyed an incredible season, but Ireland’s was even more impressive. Sure, they may not have faced the same opposition, but an unbeaten Six Nations, followed by an unbeaten run in November – capped by a win over the Springboks? You can’t really argue with those results.
But it was the game against Wales at the Millenium Stadium that joins our moments of 2009 because it is where they clinched the Grand Slam and the Six Nations title in the process. And the game wasn’t too bad either with Ireland fighting to a 17-15 win over the defending champions.
