Three points for a drop-goal

A drop-goal is scored when a player kicks the ball from hand through the opposition's goal posts.

The ball is dropped to the ground and is kicked just after it has bounced - it can be a tricky skill to master.

If a team is awarded a free-kick, a drop-goal cannot be scored until

• the ball next becomes dead

• an opponent has played or touched it

• an opponent has tackled the ball-carrier

This restriction applies also to a scrum taken instead of a free-kick.

A team will usually have a specialist drop-goal kicker and certain set plays they can call on to set up the best chance of a drop-goal.

It can be a very useful weapon to employ near the end of a game when the scores are tight.

Jonny Wilkinson scored in this way when England beat Australia in the World Cup final in 2003.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
International Rugby Board
Rugby Football Union
IRFU
Scottish Rugby Union
Welsh Rugby Union
Your say - Scrum V
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