An extraordinary moment of play between Australia and the British and Irish Lions saw giant Lions winger George North pick up attempted tackler Israel Folau and carry him forwards on his shoulders like a lumberjack.
Unfortunately the move ended with Folau managing to pull North down directly onto his head – and North was momentarily grounded.
He recovered to continue play – but may would say the WWE’s ‘Undertaker’ would have been proud of the ‘Tombstone Piledriver’ from Folau.
But the moment belonged to man-mountain North – who stands at 105 kgs. Watch below for the video and gifs.
The move brought huge cheers from the 56,771 supporters – with Etihad Stadium washed in a ‘sea of red’ from Lions supporters who swamped Melbourne.
The match ended with a cliffhanger moment which has been typical of the match – Lions kicker Leigh Halfpenny missing a mighty 50m attempt for penalty goal for a famous Wallabies win – 16-15 over the Lions.
[roar_cat_gal]
M8
Guest
105 kilo squat basically! I did that for a warm up as a kid...:)
JC
Guest
Folou has totally outplayed North in this series. Every time Folou gets the ball he makes metres and gets over the advantage line, he has been brilliant in the air and has been solid in defence. He is in everything. North - haven't seen much of him. Regarding this moment of the test match that everyone keeps crapping on about - whoop-tee-doo, North happened to raise Folou into the air during a mis-timed tackle by Folou. Not only is this a reckless and unnecessary for North to do, but he got what was coming to him - his head into the ground.
mania
Guest
i thought u were joking at first. doesnt count as north wasnt a tackler. past the horizontal only applies to tackles.
Dmac
Guest
Well, none, but, but....
Paul
Guest
come on Nick, lets not be biased here, First Test stats Folau 9 runs(128m), 4 tackles, 1 Offload, 1 Line Break , 5 rucks, 2 tries North 4 runs(76m), 5 tackles, 1 Line Break, 4 rucks, 1 turnover 1 try Second Test stats Folau 6 runs(65m), 2 offloads, 1 kick, 7 rucks, 3 turnovers - tackle stat missing North, 3 runs(9m), 2 rucks - tackle stat missing As you can see by these Stats Folau is the clear winner in both Occasions, not to mention this doesn't even include Folau beating North in the Air.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I meant Mike Catt but connection between brain and keyboard was a bit wonky this morning
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Agree with the first part of your sentence Paul about the best match up but don't think Folau outplayed North yesterday. But we clearly have 4 fantastic 100kgs + wings in world rugby at the moment (north, Folau, Savea, Ranger).
Rowan
Guest
Wow kpm, you just can't admit you were wrong about North. He is clearly a superstar in the making, and it wasn't like Folau had a stormer last night.
Jerry
Guest
Tony.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Mike was the one absolutely destroyed by a runaway Lomu steam roller in that tourney.
Jerry
Guest
Agreed. North is playing very well, but Folau has been that much better.
Boonzie
Guest
What would have been the decision if Izzy was holding the ball? pretty sure it would have been a penalty... as any lifting these days seems to be... Been great watching them both during this series! shame the back lines haven't unleashed them a bit more with space!
Jerry
Guest
Regardless, I wouldn't say the way Folau was brought down was particularly dangerous. Picking someone up isn't illegal, putting them down dangerously is.
mbgrice
Guest
Who made the 20m run to get the Wallabies a couple of metres out from the line before AACs try. I thought the Lions marked Izzy well but he still made some good runs. He beat North last night in the biggest rivally in the UNIVERSE!!!.
Jameswm
Guest
North didnt go in or away much. There was a slight swerve. Folau's step for his second try was much more impressive. Folau has quicker feet.
Jameswm
Guest
And Folau clearly won the first test battle, two tries and one miraculous save - denying North.
p.Tah
Guest
Perhaps not in the twitter image but the gifs show his feet very briefly going abie his head IMO.
Jerry
Guest
Folau made the break that gave Aus the field position for the match winning try. North was good, but Folau shaded the battle.
Jerry
Guest
How is that actually past horizontal?
kombiutedriver
Guest
Two things 1 Let's just look at the instance as one of humour and admiration of North's strength. 2 Be thankful that there was no serious injury to North .......... or Falau..