ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023

Unlikely star emerges to solve Springbok goal kicking dilemma ahead of Ireland clash

Reigning Rugby World Cup champions South Africa are gearing up for their biggest challenge of the tournament to date as they tackle the only side above them on the world rankings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ireland who are on a historic run of 15 consecutive victories, which includes wins over every tier-one nation, a Six Nations Grand Slam and a series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand.

The Boks, on the other hand, have found an extra gear throughout the season, having got their build-up to the World Cup underway with several strong outings in the Rugby Championship. Since arriving in Europe, the Boks have thumped Wales in Cardiff before handing the All Blacks a record defeat at Twickenham.

Whilst things have been by and large rosey for the South Africans, one area of concern has been their rather erratic goal kicking, with regular sharp shooter Handre Pollard missing several fixtures through injury.

In his place, Stormers’ playmaker Manie Libbok has been a revelation as an all-encompassing attacking threat but has struggled from the kicking tee. These struggles have led to the Boks experimenting with scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and utility back Damian Willemse as goal kickers.

Such is the concern with goal-kicking; the Boks have looked in all areas for goal-kicking options as Pollard, who was called into the squad on Monday, is reportedly not being considered for this weekend’s match with Ireland.

Having scoured the earth for a viable goal Springbok-eligible goal kicker, the South African Director of Rugby left no stone unturned.

ADVERTISEMENT

Yet, as has been the case for quite some time, the grand poobah knew there was only ever going to be one man for the job.

Of course, he turned to himself as the man with all of the skills and answers to the great challenges posed by World Cup Rugby; Rassie put forward an audition tape to his great mate Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber.

Clearly rubbing his highly tuned kicking skills in the face of the Bok kickers, Rassie cooly slotted kicks from awkward angles as the Boks warmed up for their recent clash with Romania.

Such was his accuracy, he knew then, and there only he could save South Africa.

ADVERTISEMENT

Long live the king, all hail Sir Rassie!

Rassie Casually Slotting a Kick Before The South Africa Romania Game
byu/lynch311 inrugbyunion

Related Articles

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Rugby League icon Sam Burgess explains the...

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Danny Care explains bizarre arrest that turned...

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Rassie addresses rumours pointing towards...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok fans given a scare as Kolbe takes back-breaking hit

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

View All

Funnies

  • 3 HOURS AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Brian O'Driscoll unburdens himself with huge confession in classic Guinness advert

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Drew Mitchell Vs. Johnny Sexton: The untold story

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Namibia captain receives awful backlash from trolls on social media following unfortunate DuPont hit

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Exclusive: David Campese calls for inquiry into Australian rugby as he provides explosive thoughts on the World Cup

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

View All