Just when it seems the Reds machine may hit a hurdle playing the Stormers without a vastly experienced lock, they announce the signing of the great Radike Samo.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Australian-Fijian Wallaby Lock/Blind-side Flanker. He played 35 games for the Brumbies (when they were good) from 2000-2005 and earned Wallaby selection in 2004. He traveled after that and had stints in Europe and Japan. Samo was best known for his blinding speed for a 111kg lock and outrages plays whilst holding the ball in one of his giant mitts.
Amazingly Reds coach Ewen McKenzie had been on a mission to land(sign) Samo ever since James Horwill ruptured his knee when the Reds gave the Crusaders the only loss they have suffered this year thus far. That was way back in the second week. So its only coincidental Samo is coming back just as Van (FC-bomb) Humphries has been ruled out through injury.
This is what Link has been quoted to have said about the signing.
“We always knew we’d be walking a bit of a tightrope in the lock position until we found cover for James for the rest of the year and we’d been lucky so far not to get caught short,”
“But with Van injured, Radike’s arrival has come at the right time.”
“Having more depth at lock will help immensely with some of the big games ahead and adding his experience to the squad will also be invaluable.”
Talk about another stroke of genius by Link McKenzie… Can this man do no wrong?
First he cut his wallaby jersey sleeves off on the particular side to make it difficult for the other prop to bind. Then he covered himself in pig fat to make himself harder to grab hold of whilst on the playing field. Now he’s landed Australia’s most exciting lock and put him in Australia’s most exciting team the exact same week the desperately need him. Pure genius.
Now for all those Samo and Brumby fans its time to remember one of the great plays he did in super rugby. Jump this video to 5:13 and watch the 111kg lock burn Sivivatu.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0B5183-lxw[/youtube]
