We value your privacy

We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.

With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation. You may click to consent to our and our partners’ processing as described above. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.

More Options
By Rugby Onslaught

George Kruis starts worrying trend that must stop soon

It has been done plenty of times before, but the sight of forwards kicking is still something that leaves many rugby fans feeling very uncomfortable. It's just not supposed to happen.

So the sight of George Kruis taking three conversions for the Barbarians on Sunday against England at Twickenham, including one audacious back heel, would have sent chills down the spine of many a fan.

What's worse is that images have surfaced of plenty of other forwards practicing their kicking this week ahead of the Barbarians' match against Spain this Saturday at Estadio El Molinon in Gijon.

The Barbarians shared photos of former Ireland lock Devin Toner and former England flanker Tom Wood both practicing their kicking ahead of what will be their final game of professional rugby. With fellow retiree Joe Tekori on the bench, the former Samoa lock will probably get in on the kicking action, particularly after landing a touchline conversion in Toulouse's 80-7 win over Biarritz.

The Barbarians have even hinted in a statement that these players are going to have "similar send-offs" to Kruis, so be prepared.

The statement said: “The side will be led by 29-capped Welsh centre Hadleigh Parkes, currently plying his trade in Japan. Other notable stars alongside him include the 6ft 11in Irish second row Devin Toner (70 caps), England’s back row Tom Wood (50 caps), Wales hooker Scott Baldwin (34 caps), All Black prop Charlie Faumuina (50 caps), Samoan fly-half Tim Nanai-Williams and his fellow countryman and Barbarian stalwart Joe Tekori (37 caps), who has represented the club on six separate occasions.

“This will be the last game of professional rugby after stellar careers for both clubs and country for Wood, Toner and Tekori. The Barbarians squad will be aiming to give them similar send-offs to that which George Kruis experienced on Sunday at Twickenham."

Barbarians XV

1. Ed Byrne

2. Scott Baldwin

3. Charlie Faumuina

4. Devin Toner

5. Steve Mafi

6. Tom Wood

7. James Botham

8. Abraham Papali’i

9. Sebastian Bezy

10. Ryno Smith

11. Adam Byrne

12. Hadleigh Parkes (C)

13. Rey Lee Lo

14. Owen Lane

15. Tim Nanai Williams

Replacements:

16. Kirby Myhill

17. Allan Dell

18. Scott Andrews

19. Joe Tekori

20. Rob Harley

21. Dan Baker

22. Mathis Galthié

23. Ahsee Tuala