Drop goals the answer? Should the All Blacks should be practising drop goals for the next 4 years?

Question

We lost by less than a try, if we had been awarded a penalty maybe we would have won. But waiting for a penalty is giving the other team the initiative. Should we now be training our players to take drop goals so we don't loose by 2 point in future when we can get field position in the last 10 min but not points?

Answer 1

yes it would have saved us big time

Answer 2

to be honest the abs lost it wen dan carter than nick evans went off they had no structure and were scared to spin it out wide because of this we did get a penalty but wen mccalister went for a drop goal ref ruled advantage over

Answer 3

If we take a leaf of the northern hemisphere book and Argentina mainly the great Hugo Porta we would still be in the world cup in other words yes drop goals are match winners.

Yes we should be practicing

Answer 4

Well England won the World Cup by doing just that in 2003- kicking drop kicks. Rugby hasnt cahnged a whole lot in the four years preceeding this world cup. The Springboks have been doing it for ages. And I dont see it changing much in the next four years.

After all, they are worth more than half a try, and if you can slot one over everytime you get into the opposition 22, then you're a great chance to win the match! You do the same as if you're going for a try - get field position, work it up to the centre of the field with your forwards, but instead of always going for a try you get your fly half (who would've practiced it many times at training) to slot it over from close range.

Obviously there are other things that we need to work on like tactical kicking, making the most of every opportunity etc.

But I think the ABs should try the drop-kick option more often!!!

Answer 5

STOP BLAMING THE REF AND YES THEY SHOULD

AS WELL STOP ROTATING PLAYERS SO MUCH.

Answer 6

Nope! They would need to practise more than just a drop goal. Such things might be, valuing every point as a point that could decide if the team is going to win on lose the match. Example, a miss conversion of McAllister. That is extra time in itself. Trying to convert as many opportunities they get into points however its offered rather than treating it as another two pointer that wouldn't matter. Another thing, scrap rotation and play with the top 15 most of the time so that players can gel better with each other and have better understanding of how each other play. Clearly, they lacked that in saturdays game. Another point, Play the whole rugby season as it has prooven that the reconditioning program has not worked. The players are still getting injured regardless and that alot of players are out of form, like dan carter. A bit of inexperience is to also be blamed, the last 5 mins, toeava throwing a 50/50 pass. Attacking set pieces weren't firing as usual possibly because they must've underestimated france defence due to past encounters, they looked more dangerous on broken play. The backline combo wasnt working, needs mauger outside carter, the crusaders combo for decision making and tactical kicking duties. A lot of things for the all black to do, these are just a few!

Answer 7

At this level of Rugby the game is ultimately decided by the kicker through penalties, drop goals and conversions. This has decided the last world cup - will decide the champion of this world cup - and will decide the next. Without having a great kicker on the field the All Blacks are at a great disadvantage. You just have to look at England, Australia and France to see the difference it can make. The conversions seem to go fine against teams like Japan because the tries are often scored right under the posts. This fails to highlight the flaw in NZ’s ability to kick until we play a tough opponent.  So yes they should practice drop goals for 4 years and kicking penalties and conversions from 50m and the side line. Sack Graham Henry

Answer 8

You are about 24 hrs too late..the game will surely have moved on in four years.. I can't believe modern professional rugby and the only answer to a good defence from the best players on earth - is pick and drive two inches at a time.. and drop kick.. Maybe the IRB should think about reducing to 13 or 10 men rugby because this type of defence and attack is going to get boring to watch really quickly.

Answer 9

Yes, not only should they be practising drop goals they should be kicking them. Previous world cups have been won by drop goals. A pity the All Blacks weren't given history lessons during their training for the World Cup.