Rugby crowd goes wild for security guard's awesome side-step tackle on pitch invader in New Zealand

A pitch invader at a New Zealand rugby match was tackled to the ground by security at the weekend, and the video has certainly drawn some attention.

The Vodafone Warriors were hosting the Wests Tigers in the Telstra Rugby League Premiership at Mount Smart Stadium. The game saw multiple pitch invaders throughout the match, but the outcome of this particular one has been spreading like wildfire on social media.

The video starts with the classic pitch-invading narrative. The players stand by with hands on hips, clearly aggravated about the disruption to play. The fan pelts downfield with security haring down after them. The atmosphere in the ground is a mixture of half-hearted cheers and disgruntled noises as the fan enjoys their 30 seconds of fame.

A big security guard comes into frame, lining up the invader as if he was an NRL player himself. The fan tries to run between a Warriors player and the security guard. But there was no hope for them, really!

The security guard deals a hammer blow to the fan, with brilliant tackle technique and an abundance of power, putting a firm halt to their shenanigans. The crowd roar in a cross between unexpected delight and concern. The flags start waving and fists pump as the supporters revel at the tackle from security.

The clip has been posted to Twitter by New Zealand stand up comedian Tony Lyall, who has racked up over a quarter of a million views in one day. Popular rugby page Ball Carrier have also picked up on it, and their audience were in awe of the security guard's tackling.

"Insane timing of the hit... Full arms tackle as well not just shoulder charge! Well done" said one.

"Great example of why you should always keep your body square with the ball carrier so u can line him up"