During a recent match between the Stormers and Sharks, a 'Men in Black'-style event took place, inviting 90s hero Robbie Flek. Seeing Flek, the article's author recalled an incident that he could not forget.
People tend to remember either magnificent moments or ridiculous ones. In the case of Flek and Dion Kaiser, it was a bit of both. This happened during a game between the Stormers and Sharks in Wellington in 2001.
Kaiser and Flek were previously impressive partners in the backline of the Springbok national team at the World Cup in Great Britain in 1999, but the famous tackle in the Super Rugby match remains a topic of conversation.
The Stormers' centre broke beautifully through the Sharks' midfield at the halfway line but made an inexperienced player's mistake by slowing down as he approached the goal. It was then that Kaiser accelerated from Flek's blind spot and tackled him while he was heading towards the line. The ball flew out of his hands, and the potential try turned into a failure that haunted Flek.
Fortunately, both athletes are considered among the nicest people in the game. When the author spoke with them in June 2023, they both shared their versions of events with humility and humor.
Kaiser recounted that he had a habit of pursuing opponents even when hope was slim. He noted that in 99% of cases, they scored, but if they didn't try to catch them, they certainly wouldn't succeed. 'Chasing Flek was that one percent that finally came to me.'
He added: 'He broke through, and it seemed like a moment for a try, but I ran after him. I couldn't believe it when he slowed down... I went in with a tackle from behind, and the ball flew out of his grasp. For a short time, we met eyes, and I saw shock and embarrassment, and then the Sharks guys hugged me.'
Kaiser mentioned that he and Flek had never openly discussed this incident, but about 20 years later, they met by chance when Flek was training the Stormers, and Kaiser was with the Sharks Under-19s youth team.
'Our teams were playing on the same field, and we literally bumped into each other in the tunnel. The first thing Robbie said was: 'Why did you have to chase me?!' He laughed and shook his head.'
After speaking with Kaiser, the author called Flek, who fondly recalled the tackle.
Flek stated: 'You play rugby to create memories, and Dion and I definitely did that. It was a real spectacle. If someone wants to laugh, they remind me, and it happens almost every day. What makes it easier is that I couldn't wish for a nicer tackler. Dion is a gentleman. If it had been someone arrogant, maybe I wouldn't see it as a funny moment.'
When Flek recalls the moment himself, he says: 'Unbelievable!' He laughed: 'I overtook Dion and Trevor Halstead at the halfway line. I was about to place the ball when I felt that push, and there was Kaiser. I couldn't believe it!'
However, besides the jokes, this tackle helped the Sharks win the game 24–19. After this, the team continued to fight for the final against the Brumbies in Canberra, while the Stormers finished in the middle of the table.
Kaiser's tackle on Flek is still often watched on YouTube.
For Kaiser, a strange aspect is that this wasn't the first time he was involved in a clumsy tackle that season. He recalls another incident less warmly.
The Sharks were playing against Queensland at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, having a significant advantage, and Kaiser scored two early touchdowns. The Reds fans decided that the Sharks' centre should be removed from the field.
Kaiser explains: 'We were on our line at 22 meters, defending the out. The ball had just been kicked when this guy suddenly appeared behind me. He jumped over the fence behind the goal. I brushed him off and tried to grab him, but I was disoriented, and he ran back toward the fence and disappeared.'
'The referee blew the whistle, and the Reds guys surrounded me, asking if I was okay. They were very worried.'
The culprit turned out to be a drunk young man. He was permanently banned from attending Ballymore, and he was fined.
'The only good thing I got was a letter from the child's parents when I returned to Durban,' Kaiser added. 'They were deeply apologetic and very ashamed. I felt sorry for them.'