These five players are the hardest and most hard-hitting tacklers from the professional era with an unsurprising number one. ...
#5. Jacques Burger (Namibia)
Seen as one of the toughest tacklers in Premiership history, Burger rose to the challenge of carrying his nation almost single-handedly with gusto and relish at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. His nose bears testament to the battering he's taken in the process. Flat as a pancake, that schnoz. Fair play.
#4. Courtney Lawes (England)
French fly-half Jules Plisson learnt a lesson in physics in the harshest possible way as the 18st frame of Lawes almost scythed him in two. Those sort of hits have become a trademark of the Northampton Saints stars career.
#3. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
“The Enforcer,” as he was known on the pitch, was one of the gnarliest players of any era and formed a formidable partnership with Victor Matfield that helped South Africa to the Rugby World Cup in 2007. Although well respected on the field, Botha was capable of losing his temper from time to time. And if he lost his temper, the source of his frustration would not escape his wrath.
#2. Jerry Collins (New Zealand)
If you want evidence of just how hard as nails Collins was, just ask Colin Charvis, who was knocked out cold by one of his tackles in a New Zealand v Wales game. He commanded respect for what he really was and his reputation was fully justified.
#1. Brian Lima (Samoa)
In 2003, Samoan hardman Lima landed one of the most bone-crushing hits in the history of the RWC (and probably in the history of rugby in general) against South Africa’s Derick Hougaard. He well and truly earned his nickname, 'the Chiropractor'.
