The most vicious match in professional rugby history

This video shows one of the most brutal and violent matches that professional rugby has ever seen: England vs South Africa in 2002. England were far the better side so South Africa switched up their tactics and tried to cause as much damage as possible to the England side.

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This educational video offers insight into the most agressive moments on the rugby pitch! Diving into the most brutal and violent matches that professional rugby has ever seen

#professionalrugby #rugbytackles #rugbyhit

[philmaguire]

I'm Irish. That was the best England performance I have ever seen. They refused to be intimidated, didn't get drawn into pointless retaliation, which the Boks wanted them to do, and destroyed them with great rugby. How they managed to keep their composure and discipline is beyond me. Not one of them flinched over 80 minutes.
I think the fact that so many SA fans were genuinely embarrassed by the thuggery led to a sea change in their approach to the game.

[williamboulter]

As a South African, this game was the lowest point in our country's rugby history. Corne Krige (our captain) led by example and that example was one of thuggery and rule breaking. It was disgraceful. No excuses, but rather apologies to England for this pathetic display of rugby.

[TheOuboet]

How Matt Dawson even walked after that game was a miracle

[kurman]

Even as a Welshman, I have to say that this was one of England's most magnificent performances. They effectively put the Springboks to the sword. Tindall, in particular, was colossal.

[ed]

I miss this England team so much. Bach linking play, Hill tackling all day, Johnno always making it over the gain line, Dallaglio playing smart, Dawson sniping, Wilkinson rarely putting a foot wrong, Tindall smashing people, Greenwood with a touch of class, Robinson with those dancing feet, above all a team who complemented each other, played smart rugby, didn't get intimidated physically and could grind out a result against the best teams on the planet (not the SAs at this point in history).

[rhyswilliams]

As much as it pains me as a welshman. This england side where absolutely epic in 02/03

[danielmosley]

I was at Twickenham for this game. Absolutely awesome how England played. Could feel every one of those massive hits in the stands. I remember Boks fans after the game in the pub saying how embarrased they were that their team's game plan was obviously to just beat up the English, forget rugby

[aaron_murtagh]

How England went the full 80 without retaliating is the best part

[orical]

I was there that day, I was so embarrassed as a bok supporter. C.Krige was an utter meat head. An embarrassment to the Jersey.

[oldmanwillyboy]

The best example of unbridled thuggery humiliated by heart, physical and mental best of all pure skill and class, in rugby history

[kchlerg]

Tindall, Greenwood and Dawson played absolutely outstanding in this game. Put the Boks to rights, and carried on bravely! One of the best matches England have ever played, hands down!

[sophie-grace]

With proper modern refereeing, SA would have been playing sevens by half-time.

[davidtaliai]

32-31 winners over Australia, 31-28 winners over the ABs and 53-3 winners over the boks. The first time any team had beaten the tri-nations teams in consecutive weeks. A feat imo that will never be repeated.

[petercurry]

Three thoughts. This is where junk South Africa sides always went before the cameras were properly utilised. I wish the current England team had a single player with the courage and desire this team did. And isn’t it interesting how the game has changed in just 20 years - hearing the commentators describe a blatant shoulder charge as a great tackle 😂😂

[alancarlyon]

I am Scottish, but England were awesome and played some great rugby that year! South Africa were a dirty team which this match/highlights showed! This will never be forgotten for their gamesmanship!

[thomasmain]

I still can't understand why South Africa put out a mixed Martial Arts team, against the best Rugby team in the world at the time, does explain the score though.

[chrisgregson]

I was at this match. An England performance to be really proud of. Low point for South Africa, they did a great rugby nation a great disservice

[Chief_Brody]

The Springboks have always been a tough and uncompromising side but this team prior to Jake White coming in, was just largely a group of thugs. As for England this was a Golden Era and a million miles away from what we have at the moment, in August 2023.

[simonmoore]

I actually forgot how good Greenwood really was 🙌🏻

[Pickhandle]

How I miss an England team playing like this. Running the ball with imagination, skill, power, and flair. All we get these days is kick and rush, kick and rush. Fit men - all 15 of 'em - and with brains as well as tactical understanding: that's what we need. A terrific performance from England - but it's so good to watch the current SA team, who I hope will crush NZ at the 2023 W Cup final in a couple of days!