International rugby is not a place for the faint-hearted. We nodded sagely when Keith Wood spoke on Newstalk at the weekend of Charlie Hodgson, the skilful but all-too-meek England out half who has often been dazzled by the pure physicality of the international game.
And every new generation of players is bigger, quicker and stronger. Witness this meeting of bodies during Wales’ win over England at the weekend.
At first glance you might thing these are two back-row forwards at the peak of their careers, but no: it’s 19-year-old Welsh winger George North tackling 20-year-old England out half Owen Farrell.
Ferocious. (And in case you’re wondering, Farrell was well enough to recycle possession and then dusted himself down to take part in a sweeping England move about 20 seconds later.)
(Note: This video may not work on some smartphones – if that’s the case for you, check it out on YouTube over here.)
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
