Nicolás Martins wrapped up the Men's Rugby Europe Championship pool phase with a sensational 57 successful tackles, but he was much more than a massive tackler
Let's check out his performance vs 🇷🇴 so I can show you (again) how monstrous he is for Portugal
Let's check out his performance vs 🇷🇴 so I can show you (again) how monstrous he is for Portugal
Comments
Martins, with his jumping pod, was a thorn into 🇷🇴 plans of setting up a driving maul by simply taking the ball from the Stejarii's control
It's simply outstanding how easily he takes the lead and cuts in front of the opposite jumper
This is a highly valued skill, as it can put a cork in allowing the other team to invade your in-goal area
This has become one of 🇵🇹 best counter moves in the last 4 years, with Martins in the centre of all
Also, props for US Dax Diogo Hasse Ferreira and FC Grenoble José Madeira. Both are always on the right time to lift Martins up
Martins shifts to the wing when Portugal has the ball under their control due to his speed, agility and ability to tackle on the spot
Here is an example of why it works and why it can be lethal
Bento gets the ball and kicks it down, with Martins forcing Simionescu to 'kick' it out
It would lead to a lineout and a maul drive, with 🇵🇹 almost scoring a very early try
Look how quickly he followed Storti and Simão Bento