The Biggest Hits in World Rugby This Week

As we come closer to the Northern Hemisphere's Autumn period, the amount of rugby on display has seen a significant pickup in recent weeks and will only continue to do so in coming days.

With the Rugby Championship, Currie Cup and ITM Cup all taking centre stage this weekend, it's clear that one needs to go south of the equator for all the biggest hits available, but Twickenham's World Club Sevens were on hand to fly the flag for some northern talents this week.

Another week, another collection of some of sport's nastiest head-on collisions, both legal and otherwise.

All video content comes courtesy of TTRugbyVids, PremiershipRugby and KostzHDPlus prior to editing.

6. Ndungane High Tackle on Jantjies

The sole Currie Cup entrant from this week is a vicious one coming courtesy of Sharks fullback and South Africa international, Odwa Ndungane.

With Elton Jantjies threatening to break his side's grip on the game, the defender stormed up out of his back line but could only swipe Jantjies' head with an outstretched arm.

In the end, play was called back after the referee allowed the Golden Lions some advantage, but Jantjies was left with a sore head for his troubles, and Ndungane a yellow card for an irresponsible attempt.

5. Andrew Bulumakau Injured Mid-Try

On Day One of this weekend's World Club Sevens at Twickenham, Gloucester put out an impressive display against Western Province, earning a 27-17 victory over their South African opponents.

In that performance, Andrew Bulumakau was key and gave good reason for the Aviva Premiership side to perhaps consider the player for 15s duties, but the day was clouded amidst a moment of ecstasy.

In scoring one of his team's five tries, the 21-year-old took a knock to his shoulder and was injured in the process.

As one can see from the video above, his tackler was most displeased at his attempt being deemed insufficient.

4. Kurt Baker Double Teamed by Osborne and Funnell

Although Taranaki were unsuccessful in their attempts at staging a shock victory at Canterbury, there were some moments of encouragement for the away side.

One of those being this back-line break by Kurt Baker. Although the Crusaders fullback wasn't the man who latched onto the end of the move, he certainly took one for the team during the buildup from not just one, but two Canterbury players.

Chasing back from cover, it was hooker Ben Funnell that put in the brunt of the move, while Patrick Osborne's input was undoubtedly felt as a result of Baker's unfortunate fall.

In the replay, the look on Baker's face tells a story of a thousand words, all of which read: "Pain."

3. Etienne Oosthuizen Knocked into Next Week

Although his side would eventually go on to win the entire tournament, Etienne Oosthuizen certainly picked up a lump or two on the journey to sevens success for the Brumbies at Twickenham.

The most noticeable of which is assuredly this hit from an unknown Auckland defender, which not only dispossesses the South African but sets up a try for the New Zealanders too.

What's even worse for the evidently damaged Oosthuizen is that he wasn't even the first man to be hit, as one of his tackled teammates actually barrelled into him having been annihilated themselves.

Eventually getting his own back, it was Auckland who the Brumbies later beat in the final of the competition.

2. Richie McCaw Hit for Six on Test Return

Widely regarded as one of the best players ever to play the sport, it appears even Gods can be cut down after Richie McCaw was left catching his breath following one particular carry this weekend.

Making his first test appearance for New Zealand since returning from a seven-month sabbatical, Richie McCaw did—or attempted to do—just one of those things he does best, gaining ground in the middle of the ANZ Stadium pitch.

However, nothing ever comes easy, as they say, and New Zealand's 47-29 victory in the opening 2013 Rugby Championship match saw the veteran receive a massive hit thanks to the Wallabies' Rob Simmons.

It takes a big man to overcome McCaw, and if there's anything the Australian lock does have over McCaw, it's sheer size.

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Press play and find out.

1. Afa Fa'atau Sits Baden Kerr Down

How Afa Fa'atau qualifies to pay on the wing ahead of slighter players is anyone's guess, but the stocky back nonetheless showed what qualities he does hold over your more stereotypical wide man this weekend: sheer mass.

Possessing more pace and acceleration than one might suggest at first asking, Wellington's thrashing of Counties Manukau saw Fa'atau pick the ball up on halfway, fending one player off before showing an incredible step in his arsenal.

However, the best was yet to come as Baden Kerr felt the full force of the back's almighty right palm, proceeding to be shown the floor like a small child attempting to dislodge the school bully from his favourite ride.

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Updated No.1. Courtney Lawes

A day overdue, but after discovering Courtney Lawes' gargantuan hit on Michael Le Bourgeois in a preseason friendly was anything but.

Coming up out of his defensive line, the Northampton Saints lock proceeded to use his 6'7" frame in the best way he knows how: by laying a naughty challenge on the Bedford Blues' fly-half that left Bourgeois clueless.

Speaking to the Bedfordshire Post (h/t RugbyDump.com) after the match, the Bedford back said: "I’m just happy to have got up from it! I didn't see him coming, but thankfully I was able to take it."

We're happy for you, too, Michael.