- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
England should start preparing for some more Kieran Read offload party tricks.
The All Blacks No.8 has made an art form of conjuring passes out of tackles for others to score and hopes there is more to come in Saturday’s Test at Twickenham.
The 2013 world player of the year underlined his ability with one flick of the wrist in their crushing of the United States in Chicago.
He drew three defenders before a reverse backhand flick gave Julian Savea a simple stroll across the tryline.
It wasn’t the first time Read and Savea have combined in Tests but the big wing isn’t the only player to reap the rewards of the dexterous forward.
Richie McCaw scored after a leaping Read somehow stood firm in a tackle and offloaded to create their only try in the 14-10 win over South Africa in Wellington this year.
“We do practise it a lot, it works well,” Read said.
“You’ve got to keep working on it because it doesn’t just happen. It’s always nice to see them trot over when you’ve given the last pass.”
Read says he will sniff for more offload opportunities when the All Blacks are on attack in Saturday’s Test at Twickenham.
However, he says don’t expect it to be as spectacular as the Chicago effort, revealing he’d copied that move from American Football.
“I was watching the NFL, a lateral play that they use,” he said.
“It’s one of those ones that just comes off. You know that he’s going to be there, I guess.”
offloads aren’t Read’s only forte this season.
Coach Steve Hansen opined last week that the 29-year-old has become world rugby’s premier lineout forward.
His speedy leap and extension have won Read 38 lineouts off their own ball in the last eight New Zealand Tests.
The next best is lock Sam Whitelock on 12.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.