"A Moment of Magic" The Top 5 Drop Goals in Rugby History

There have been some truly memorable three-pointers throughout rugby history, with the latest addition taking place this past weekend in the Leinster v Munster Irish derby.

With three minutes left on the clock, Munster were chasing the game at the Aviva Stadium. A spot in the 2023 United Rugby Championship Grand Final hung in the balance, when up stepped Jack Crowley to kick home a late win for his side. An iconic moment for Munster, with Crowley's heroics being compared to that of the great Ronan O'Gara.

A welcomed addition to an incredible list of drop goals, here are RUCK's picks for the greatest ever.

It just had to be Jonny to get this list off underway. A legendary rugby moment that will forever be etched in the annuals of history. With the entirety of England rugby fans willing him on, Wilkinson made good on his fourth drop goal attempt in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final, and made himself a hero.

With scores poised on a knife-edge at 17-17, England and Australia went to extra time in the era-defining World Cup final. The commentary will long be remembered as the perfect pairing to the famous image, of England's fly half sending the ball sailing through the Sydney air, to a roar of celebration from the travelling England supporters.

"Again, Wilkinson in the place, Jonny Wilkison... He's done it! It's over! At last on the fourth attempt, Jonny Wilkinson is on target." The Newcastle Falcons legend will has had many career highlights, yet this once in a generation drop goal will forever be the crown jewel in his trophy cabinet.

"It's the greatest moment in Freddie Burns' life! It is one of the greatest moments in Leicester history." There was no underselling the sense of occasion, when Leicester Tigers fly half Freddie Burns slotted the decisive drop goal, to win the 2022 Gallagher Premiership title. The ultimate storybook ending happened for Leicester that day, as their former talisman George Ford was forced off the pitch due to an early injury.

On stepped Burns, who took the match by the scruff of it's neck. He orchestrated everything which led to this once in a lifetime moment, as the Tigers clawed their way back into the match, even after Saracens had established a stronghold on the match. "The greatest ever turnaround in Premiership history!" Commentator Nick Mullins called the unbelievable action with words that truly painted the picture.

The story continued after the match, as George Ford departed Welford Road for Sale Sharks, marking the end of an era for the Tigers. Burns too departed shortly after, as he headed out to New Zealand early in the 2022/23 Premiership season. Burns signed up with the Highlanders in Super Rugby, and he has been enjoying his time in Dunedin.

A defining drop goal for the greatest of all time. Dan Carter made up for his personal heart-break of 2011, as the most unfortunately timed groin injury saw the fly half removed from the All Blacks squad during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The cruelness of sport held no bounds for Carter, as the injury took place in training, and Carter was forced to watch on from the side-line, as the All Blacks defeated France in the 2011 final on home New Zealand soil.

After an arduous four year wait, the 2015 Rugby World Cup would end Carter's fairy-tale with the All Blacks. Going into the tournament, it had been confirmed that the 2015 competition would be the last dance for six legendary All Blacks. Carter, Richie McCaw, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Kevin Mealamu and Tony Woodcock would all wear the black jersey for the last time, making this a true 'do or die' competition.

The final itself played out like a dramatic battle of good versus evil. Age old rivals New Zealand and Australia met at Twickenham Stadium, and the All Blacks were off to a fast start. Carter got points on the board in the early goings, and Nehe Milner-Skudder's try established a 16-3 lead at half time. Ma'a Nonu's career encapsulating solo try from the Wallabies 10m, built a healthy 21-3 lead early in the second half.

Yet the Wallabies battled back, with tries from David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani narrowing the game to just four points. Then with 10 minutes left to play, Carter took the reigns once again, and orchestrated the All Blacks to pull away from the Wallabies. This started with his stunning 40m drop goal, to stretch the All Blacks lead to seven points, and wound the mentality of Australia. The Wallabies never recovered from the set back, and the floodgates opened for Beauden Barrett's match-winning try, marking a victorious end to a legendary era of the All Blacks.

It was only fitting for Barrett to score the try, which put the game out of reach for Australia. In the match which saw Carter pass the torch to his successor, Barrett's try marked the beginning of a new generation of All Blacks. Carter's final conversion sent the fly half off into the sunset, with the perfect Rugby World Cup winning swansong.

The 2018 NatWest Six Nations saw Ireland secure their first Grand Slam since 2009, ending a nine-year wait for a clean sweep of the opposition. Ireland also won the competition for the first time since 2015, putting an end to England's back-to-back run as Six Nations Champions. However, hopes of a Grand Slam looked diminished before the competition had hit full swing, as Ireland trailed 13-12 to France in the final play of round one.

Ireland started out on an attack, but had a long way to go as the French drew their battle lines high up on the half way line. Metre by metre, Ireland edged forward, hoping for a crack in the wall or to draw in a penalty. The resolved and structured 'Les Bleus' gave Ireland no such joy, so Ireland looked to their captain to make the decisive act to win the match.

With no other way through, Sexton called for the ball from 45m out. French defenders could not believe the audacity of the fly half, 'surely he won't try that from there?' But Sexton did, and he unleashed a monstrous drop goal, which sailed through the St. Etienne sky, and over the posts for an unforgettable Ireland win.

Joe Schmidt's men then hit top gear for the rest of the tournament, recording bonus point wins against the remaining four nations on route to the Six Nations and Triple Crown trophies.

Arguably the most significant drop goal in history, this three-pointer had significant off-field implactions for the future and progression of South African society. Joel Stransky's incredible effort from just inside the half way line, won South Africa the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and crowned the Springboks as World Champions for the first time.

The All Blacks had battled valiantly throughout the match, yet neither side were able to make a break, past their opposition's defensive lines.

The 1995 Rugby World Cup Final featured zero tries, as the All Blacks and Springboks were too well matched in the contact zone. The Springboks had found the answer to bring down the great Jonah Lomu, whilst New Zealand had the physicality in place to go toe-to-toe with the Springboks up front. All the points of the game came from the boot, as Andrew Mehrtens and Joel Stransky eached kicked two penalties and a drop goal for a 9-9 full time draw.

Extra time began, and the All Blacks took a three point lead after Mehrtens slotted another penalty. Stransky levelled the scores once again to 12-12 after 90 minutes, before producing the definitive drop goal on the 92nd minute. An incredible drop goal to re-claim the Springboks' lead, South Africa were then able to hold out for the remainder of the match, and lift the Web Ellis trophy for the first time in their history.

Stransky's efforts then led to what was a turning point in the turbulent societal history of apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela came down to the pitch dressed in a Springbok jersey, and awarded the Rugby World Cup trophy to Springboks Captain Francois Pienaar. This symbol of solidarity presented a united South Africa, and is considered one of the most significant sporting moments of all time.