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One thing any rugby player, irrespective of the level, desperately tries to avoid is being picked up and thrown back in a tackle.
One thing any rugby player, irrespective of the level, desperately tries to avoid is being picked up and thrown back in a tackle.
Tom Jordan has gone viral across the rugby communities in two clips, but neither could be used in the promising 26-year-old's highlight reel.
Defensive woes
Jordan was first victim of a humbling dump tackle by diminutive England fly-half, Fin Smith, during the Six Nations, in a performance which the Glasgow Warriors centre failed to live up to his hype.
Last weekend, Jordan again was forced into retreat behind the gainline as he tumbled backwards following an unfortunate collision with Bulls powerful hooker, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, during Glasgow's 26-19 home loss.
Jordan's defensive issues were exposed as he missed three tackles in all during the defeat.
Supporters of Jordan's will say dump tackles often occur in our sport, but at a time when the Kiwi-born playmaker is gunning for selection in Andy Farrell's Lions squad next week, no player wants to go viral for the wrong reasons.
A standout 2024 for the Swiss Army Knife
The Bristol Bears-bound player burst onto the scene this term with a player of the match showing for Scotland against Portugal, coupled with an equally impressive display against South Africa during the Autumn Nations Series.
His versatility across the backline means he can play with equal aplomb at 10, 12 and 15.
Lions selection calls are never easy but being able to play in multiple positions vastly increases your chances of touring.
Many saw Jordan as a potential Lions bolter, but while there's clearly talent in there, this tour Down Under may come too soon.
A standout performance against Wales in this year's Six Nations saw Jordan touch down for two tries, while his efforts at fly-half led Glasgow to the URC title last year with silky handling and clever kicks in play.
However, Jordan has struggled for big impacts recently and as a result has slipped behind his Lions rivals.
While he predominantly plays 10 for his club, Jordan's best chances of touring are as a utility back but primarily an inside centre, considering Farrell's embarrassment of riches at fly-half.
I can’t see him being selected at the O2 next week but much stranger selection calls have been made in the past.