The Paolo Garbisi kicking tee saga continues

Italian flyhalf Paolo Garbisi and his kicking tee have become one of the most contentious relationships in professional rugby.

Lining up a kick for what would have been a historic win against France in round three, the flyhalf would have his routine disrupted as the ball mysteriously fell off the tee. Adding to the intrigue surrounding the incident was that it couldn’t have had anything to do with weather conditions given the match was played at an indoor stadium.

Starting again for the Azzurri in today’s match against Scotland, Garbisi had an opportunity to get his team off to a perfect start with a penalty inside the opening three minutes.

Lining up the shot at goal, the 23-year-old went through his routine and steadied himself for the shot.

Locking in on his target, Garbisi took a final look at the ball and in the same motion saw it inexplicably topple off the tee.

Clearly learning his lesson from a fortnight earlier, the playmaker calmly placed the ball back on the tee with a wry smile and slotted the shot.

Just how this has happened in back-to-back Six Nations clashes has become a talking point and more importantly a source of amusement for both Garbisi and rugby fans!

Can you believe it?!

Garbisi just got awful deja vu 😅#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/NGjLUU7uwo

— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 9, 2024