German hooker Dale Garner’s drop goal has reminded us of an eternal truth – a rugby forward slotting a field goal is one of the sporting world’s most glorious sights to behold.
The sheer audacity it takes for a spherical, 120kg human battering ram to back himself to execute one of the game’s most highly-skilled tasks – when literally everyone else on the team is better equipped to take the shot, is nothing short of breathtaking.
Like ‘Old Guy Dunks’ and ‘Fat Guy Touchdowns’, ‘Forward Drop Goals’ will forever hold a hallowed position in the annals of sport.
In Germany’s clash against Romania in the European Nation’s Cup, Dale Garner submitted his entry for the best forward drop goal.
With his team down 17-9, and time ticking away, Germany needed 3 points to come within a converted try and claim a defensive bonus point.
As the ball spills out, Garner has two options – as a hooker who is highly skilled in the ruck and poorly skilled in kicking clutch drop goals, does he take the tackle and give his fly-half the opportunity to take a simple shot, 20m out, right in front of goal?
Or does he, without hesitation, shun his number 10 and squeeze a floating, ugly wobbler through the uprights?
The second one of course.
Because that’s what heroes do.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at our favourite times where forwards turned their back on reason, logic and sense for a shot at three points of glory.
Zinzan Brooke
Perhaps the most iconic ‘FDG’ of all time.
Jonah Lomu was running riot in the 1995 World Cup semi final as New Zealand racked up 45 points in their win over England.
But the most bitter to swallow for England came with the All Blacks up 20-0. Number 8 Zinzan Brooke collected a bouncing ball just inside the halfway line and only had eyes for the goals.
A couple steps, and BANG! The ball sailed through the uprights.
A number 8 taking pot shots at goal in a World Cup semi final? The ultimate humiliation.
Zinzan was at it again the very next year – in New Zealand’s historic series win in South Africa. This time playing at hooker, Brooke was the go-to option – setting up from 30 out and sealing the game and series, 33-26.
What a man.
Matt Dunning: NSW Waratahs vs The Chiefs, 2003.
Now the only thing better than a forward kicking a goal when no-one expects it, is a forward deliberately trying to not kick a drop goal…but accidentally kicking a goal instead.
Come on down Matt Dunning.
The Waratahs were looking to claim the final spot in the 2003 Super 12 semi finals. They needed the bonus point though, and the only way to get it was to score two more tries.
As the clocked ticked down, prop Matt Dunning had a ping at the goals so the referee would stop the advantage and return the play to the earlier penalty.
But the big fella didn’t know his own power and sent the ball through the uprights – tragically losing the Tahs a valuable shot at finals glory.
Have you got any favourite forwards kicking drop goals? Let us know in the comments!
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