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
We blame @GeorgeKruis for this.
He started it 🤣#Baabaas #rugby pic.twitter.com/MDIKV3tyD3
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) June 23, 2022
