Video: 9 pieces of extreme rugby physicality from 2014

We bruised our ribs just watching a couple of these...

2014 was quite a good year of rugby in these parts with Ireland winning the Six Nations and having successful summer and autumn internationals. Even though the provinces are enduring a somewhat indifferent time in the inaugural Champions Cup, it seems like a good time to look back at the year gone by and relive some of the biggest moments of physicality that the rugby world served up to us. We will warn you that some of these are not for the faint-hearted and some of them are not what can be considered ‘legal’ in any sense (particularly Stuart Hogg).

Up first we have one of our favourite hits of the year as Robbie Henshaw makes a defensive read and absolutely rag-dolls Jimmy Gopperth...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WhSGriIiEU Video via Tap Tackle.

Next up is Duane Vermeulen proving that he is one of the strongest men around when he makes Aaron Smith look like a child (we know Smith is small, but can you do this?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG_ZjnnSoK8 Video via Just About Rugby.

Iain Henderson showing his muscle against France in the Six Nations finale.

To be honest, this one snuck in because of the importance of it. With Ireland under the cosh in the closing minutes, Henderson picked up Jean-Marc Doussain and carried him backwards from a scrum which was absolutely vital to Ireland winning the game.

Paul O'Connell against Australia, need we say anymore?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd2zwlsXavk Video via hick726.

Ma'a Nonu eats Colin Slade for breakfast

Colin Slade isn't the most physically imposing player and Ma'a Nonu ate him for breakfast in the Super 15 this year. Justin Marshall is comical and keep an eye out for Slade's mouth guard which goes flying... Video via Rugby highlights.

Stuart Hogg showing how not to put your shoulder to the wheel for Scotland in this year's Six Nations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVRysNQ-STo Video via RBS 6Nations.

Ireland's Grace Davitt shipped a big hit against New Zealand at the Women's Rugby World Cup...

Billy Twelvetrees gets absolutely clobbered by Samu Manoa in the Aviva Premiership.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUvZvxj8Is4 Video via Ruddy Darter.

Beauden Barrett hung Conrad Smith out to dry with this pass and he promptly got smashed by Malakai Fekitoa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLSMAwkAXOw Video via Rugby Highlights.