Guard criticised for 'smashing' streaker

A streaker is arrested after running onto the field as Luther Burrell of England looks on. Photo / Martin Hunter / Getty Images

A security guard who "smashed" a streaker at last night's All Black's game has been criticised by some viewers for the bruising tackle.

The male streaker dodged security to invade the pitch in the second half of the test against England at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium.

But he was quickly taken out by a fast-moving security guard who launched a tackle from behind, sending him to the ground.

The streaker is then held in a headlock, and two security guards escort him off the pitch.

Video footage of the incident has clocked up almost 117,000 views on Youtube, and condemnation from some fans who said the security guard went too far.

View: Rugby: Streaker slammed by security

The hard-hitting tackle was described as "bone crushing", "unnecessary" and "mental".

Others joked he should have been playing on the team, rather than manning the security.

Sports website, fansided.com, described the tackle as "bone crushing".

"We're not talking some small hit here or even a grab around the neck in [an] effort to send the nude fan to the ground. We're talking a full on, two-footed launch from three feet out that would make hard hitting NFL Pro Bowl talent blush.

"I mean seriously ? look at [the] dude's neck jerk back. He's lucky it stayed attached to his head."

People have been questioning the force used to restrain the streaker. Photo / Getty Images

On Youtube, commentators suggested the move was "a bit excessive".

"Could have really hurt the poor guy," Ilona N David Pu'a posted.

VoztokTV said: "Something tells me that security guard almost made the team but ended up with that job instead."

Namehereplease posted: "Wow that is mental. I hope that guy is ok. I know sure the guy shouldn't have been there but there is sensible and then there is being a munter acting like he is trying out for gridiron."