It’s not often that we see forwards operating out of their comfort zone but when they do, it’s an incredible sight to see. Here’s to the forwards who don’t conform to stereotypes.
As displayed last weekend by Ireland’s Tadgh Furlong, forwards aren’t just big muscle and power, they’ve also got a delicate skill when needed. We’re used to seeing bulldozing runs and neat feet, but there’s something about a forward kicking that really makes you sit back and enjoy.
One of the most talented forwards to kick from open play was another Irishman, Keith Wood, who showed that he could not only strike the ball but quite often find a decent touch as well.
Another player to try his hand – or should we say, feet – at open play kicking was New Zealand’s Zinzan Brooke, with few forgetting his outrageous drop goal against England… in a World Cup semi-final no less.
WATCH: You’ve never seen any Rugby World Cup drop goals bigger than these 10
Arguably the best kicker from the tee was Wallabies captain John Eales, who scored an impressive 173 points for his country, most of it from kicks at goal as Australia’s designated goal kicker. It was pretty rare to have a forward as a goal kicker then, and now almost unheard of in the modern game.
More recently, we’ve seen prop forwards have a go at kicking, with Adam Jones finding that he had a hidden talent throughout his time as a Wales international tighthead, while Matt Dunning kicked a perfect – albeit completely accidental – drop goal for the Waratahs.
Enjoy the full compilation of forwards kicking courtesy of Andrew Forde:
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