Miraculous try-saving tackle was 'over played'

The New Zealand provincial rugby player who made what has been described as one of the "the great try-saving moments ever" believes his heroics are being "overplayed".

Southland player James Schrader became an overnight internet sensation when he swooped from nowhere to stop a certain try against rivals Auckland.

Replacement Auckland outside back Lolagi Visinia was ready to plant the ball down for a five-pointer when he stretched out to place the ball over the try line in the 63rd minute.

But what looked to be certain glory was cruelly snatched away as Schrader slid in to complete a miraculous ball-and-all covering tackle.

The tackle, which helped Southland secure a 23-23 draw, was instantly dubbed one of the greatest defensive plays of all time.

"That is one of the great try-saving moments ever," commentator Scotty Stevenson said.

"That is an unreal piece of 'D'."

However, Schrader played down his amazing try-saving abilities, believing the cameras made his heroics seem more "dramatic".

"I was just on the other side of the field and saw them make a break, so I pinned the ears back and was just trying to be somewhere near the ball to stop them from scoring," Schrader told Stuff.co.nz.

"When I sat back and watched it, the camera added a bit of drama because I come out of nowhere really.

"If the camera was far away it probably wouldn’t have seemed as dramatic.

"I think Sumo (Scotty) Stevenson is known for his elaborate commentary, and I appreciate the kind words, but he might have overplayed it a bit."

However, the rural banker admitted he was finding it hard to come to terms with his new fame, believing the tackle was a once in a lifetime moment.

"It's all a bit bizarre, I don’t know what to make of it really," he said.

"A lot of the work colleagues have been watching (the clip).

"Everyone is having a bit of a laugh saying I have to do that all the time – I said, 'no promises'."