After Adam Jones's magnificent drop goal attempt against Munster on Saturday night, we at balls.ie were debating the best ever kicking attempt by a forward. There are a lot of candidates surprisingly, but not all have video online. Simon Shaw infamously missed a drop goal in Wasps loss to Bath in 2000 when he ignored three players outside him when a try seemed imminent.
Nevertheless, what we did find was pure gold, so here are the top 10 best forward kicks:
10. John Eales
Such is John Eales's legendary status in Australia that the award for Australian Player of the Year is named after him. The only reason that Eales is so low on this list is because the second row was a regular kicker throughout his career. But then again, you can't have a list like this without this hero.
9. Bobby Skinstad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyjx01JHwqQ&feature=youtu.be
This Springbok legend turned commentator was a force to be reckoned with. It's also a lot more obvious that Skinstad isn't as well known for his kicking amongst his teammates, judging by their reactions.
8. Martyn Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_7laoQ8B1k
In the early 00's, Martyn Williams only had positive kicking memories. In this game, Wales were only 7 points clear of Tonga in the World Cup 2003, before Williams gave them a little cushion with minutes to play. However, things were to go sour for Williams on the kicking front with the only shoot-out in the history of the Heineken Cup.
7. Johnno Gibbes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qLWvmDldcQ&feature=youtu.be
Before he was Leinster forwards coach and then Clermont head coach, Flanker Johnno Gibbes was busy slottig drop goals for the Waikato Chiefs and destroying the British and Irish Lions as a Maori.
6. Zinzan Brooke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRdo2nsr_b0
One of the greatest ever All Blacks, Zinzan Brooke is renowned for his drop goals, none more famous than against England.
5. Sergio Parisse
What can't this man do? Parisse often takes his team on his back with Italy or Stade Francais, frequently fielding deep kicks and on this occasion, giving Stade another 3 points against the Ospreys.
4. Keith Wood
http://youtu.be/aIRunZD-PhY
Most of the newer rugby fans may know him as a BBC analyst, but Keith Wood was one of the best players Ireland have ever produced. Often cited as the best hooker in the world during his career, Wood was extremely mobile, and often found himself kicking for touch from the first receiver position with great success. He's had a few drop goals in his career, with this amusing attempt being the only one we could find.
3. Ryan Jones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCbcqGgtDuw
This attempt from second row/flanker Ryan Jones is almost identical to his former Ospreys teammate Adam Jones's try this weekend, right down to the chuckle afterwards.
2. Adam Jones
We just couldn't leave it out could we? Despite being identical to Ryan Jones, a prop kicking is always a lot more impressive/funny than anyone else. I still love the giggling to himself afterwards. Sure isn't that what rugby is about?
1. Matt Dunning
The only thing better than a prop missing a drop goal, is a prop MAKING a drop goal. Except, this isn't what his team needed. This took place in the last round of Super Rugby in 2003. Dunning's team, the Waratahs needed a bonus point win to make the playoffs. Leading 17-14, they were looking for two more tries in the final fifteen minutes to book their place. The referee gives an advantage to the Tahs, and Matt Dunning kicks the ball away expecting to miss to go back to the penalty. What happens next is priceless.
This moment was featured in one of the early Rugby HQ Top 5s
