A few days back you may have seen the impressive drop goal from Germany’s hooker, which everyone seemed to really appreciate. Well this time around it’s Sale Sharks prop Vadim Cobilas who shows how not to do it if you’re a front rower.
In an Aviva Premiership clash between Bath and Sale Sharks a week or so ago, the visiting side’s prop, Moldovan Vadim Cobilas, allowed his quick thinking to get the better of him when he realised his team were playing with a penalty advantage.
A poor pass rolled past Danny Cipriani and the eager front rower scooped it up 15 metres in front of the posts, dropped the ball to his right foot and swung for glory. Unfortunately the resulting attempt was far from glorious, as it rolled toward the 5-metre line, having failed to rise above knee height.
Unsurprisingly referee Wayne Barnes decided that Sale had not gained an advantage from the drop goal and awarded the penalty, which Cipriani duly kicked into touch.
Despite ripples of laughter around the stadium and in the commentary box, Cobilas appeared unphased as he quickly took his position in the resulting line-out.
The effort reminds us of the infamous Matt Dunning drop goal in the 2003 Super Rugby season which, despite being successful, hampered the Waratahs chances of a semi-final spot. Dunning’s intention, or expectation, was to miss so that the referee would bring play back for a penalty.
Unfortunately for him it sailed through the uprights, going down as arguably one of the biggest gaffs ever on a rugby field, and certainly an unforgettable, hilarious rugby blooper.
Successful or not, front row drop goals are a thing of beauty, so we salute Vadim for trying.
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