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In his first game for Southland Stags in the ITM Cup, James Schrader could be forgiven for taking his time to settle into the game.
But coming off the bench after the hour mark, Schrader was immediately called on as Auckland’s Lolagi Visinia raced towards the line. Out of camera-shot, Schrader made up incredible ground and slid towards the outside back, somehow managing to avoid contact with the head, while scooping the ball out of Visinia’s hand just as he was ready to place the pill over the whitewash.
To complete the monumental effort, Schrader pulled up his slide just short of the sideline.
Commentator Scotty Stevenson quite rightly called it “one of the great try-saving moments ever.”
It was remarkable and in the end proved vital for Schrader’s Southland side, with the match finishing in a 23-all draw.
Not surprisingly Schrader’s first touch for the Stags has gone viral and the once obscure player is now famous.
“I didn’t realise until when I got back in the sheds and seen a whole bunch of messages saying how miraculous it was. But honestly at the time we were straight back on defence and I had no time to reflect, it was just next job. But when I come off the field it was all go,” Schrader told stuff.co.nz.
James Schrader will be able to take in more of the limelight at the Stags’ next game on August 22 against Northland.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.