This brutal Courtney Lawes tackle will assuage any fears that rugby might lose its physicality under the new tackle laws.
Ulster were beaten by Scarlets on Friday and the game was significant because it saw rugby's new tackle laws in action. Sean Reidy probably thought he'd produced a brilliant, try-saving tackle in the 60th minute - and he would have, under the old rules. But instead he was sent to the sin bin and Scarlets were awarded a penalty try.
But this doesn't mean that the physicality is gone from rugby. Anyone with that fear need only see Courtney Lawes' tackle on Bristol scrum-half Will Cliff during Northampton Saints' 32-26 Premiership win.
Cliff makes a break - or rather, tries to. Lawes quickly puts an end to any optimistic wanderings.
Ouch.
Courtney Lawes tackle
Courtney Lawes!! ??
Huge Tackle! ? pic.twitter.com/lVrlA34Vr9— InfernoProTV (@InfernoProTV) January 8, 2017
