World Cup-winning All Black Stephen Donald, in a candid chat on The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav podcast, has revealed his picks for the greatest drop-goal kickers in rugby history. This conversation followed a match where England's George Ford played a pivotal role, slotting crucial drop goals that shifted the game's momentum just before halftime against the All Blacks.
Donald praised Ford's recent performances, recalling his string of successful drop goals, notably during England’s World Cup opener against Argentina in 2023 and his consistent scoring in the English Premiership. Ford's knack for executing under pressure has secured him a spot among the all-time drop goal elites. Donald ranked him third, just behind rugby titans Morne Steyn and Jonny Wilkinson, who took the first and second spots respectively.
"There’s one who I haven’t put in the top three, but he did one that broke a nation’s heart. Joel Stransky, of course, the great South African who destroyed many a Kiwi heart in ’95. He did it on the biggest stage."
Aside from the drop goal discussion, Donald highlighted other standout English performances. He noted Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's ability to find space and praised the physicality of the English loose forwards, comparing their style to that of the South Africans, albeit without the towering height.
"It takes a lot to get rid of them at the breakdown; they just carry, there’s no complications to their carry. We call it T-boning, and it’s not the perfect scenario, but they just back their physical mass to try and create momentum," Donald explained, emphasizing their straightforward yet effective approach.
Among other key players, Lawrence in the centre position caught Donald's eye, particularly dispelling pre-match notions of him being one-dimensional. "He was outstanding, really, really powerful in the midfield, so much of the big moments were in and around his work," Donald admitted, showcasing the player's impact during the game.
This analysis not only underscores the pivotal roles these players have in shaping game outcomes but also highlights the evolving strategies and skill sets defining modern rugby's competitive landscape.
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World Cup-winning All Black Stephen Donald, in a candid chat on The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav podcast, has revealed his picks for the greatest drop-goal kickers in rugby history. This conversation followed a match where England's George Ford played a pivotal role, slotting crucial drop goals that shifted the game's momentum just before halftime against the All Blacks.
Donald praised Ford's recent performances, recalling his string of successful drop goals, notably during England’s World Cup opener against Argentina in 2023 and his consistent scoring in the English Premiership. Ford's knack for executing under pressure has secured him a spot among the all-time drop goal elites. Donald ranked him third, just behind rugby titans Morne Steyn and Jonny Wilkinson, who took the first and second spots respectively.
"There’s one who I haven’t put in the top three, but he did one that broke a nation’s heart. Joel Stransky, of course, the great South African who destroyed many a Kiwi heart in ’95. He did it on the biggest stage."
Aside from the drop goal discussion, Donald highlighted other standout English performances. He noted Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's ability to find space and praised the physicality of the English loose forwards, comparing their style to that of the South Africans, albeit without the towering height.
"It takes a lot to get rid of them at the breakdown; they just carry, there’s no complications to their carry. We call it T-boning, and it’s not the perfect scenario, but they just back their physical mass to try and create momentum," Donald explained, emphasizing their straightforward yet effective approach.
Among other key players, Lawrence in the centre position caught Donald's eye, particularly dispelling pre-match notions of him being one-dimensional. "He was outstanding, really, really powerful in the midfield, so much of the big moments were in and around his work," Donald admitted, showcasing the player's impact during the game.
This analysis not only underscores the pivotal roles these players have in shaping game outcomes but also highlights the evolving strategies and skill sets defining modern rugby's competitive landscape.