All Blacks World Cup-winning hero Stephen Donald has named his top three drop-goal kickers of all time, giving special mention to a Springboks legend that didn\u2019t quite make his list.<\/p>\n
Donald, speaking on The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav podcast, reflected on England\u2019s victory over the All Blacks on Saturday, crediting playmaker George Ford for leading his side to victory.<\/p>\n
Not only did Ford control the match expertly, but he also slotted two drop goals in quick succession just before the half-time break, in a move that truly altered the swing of the match.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t the first time the Sale Sharks<\/a> fly-half has kicked three points from open play; in fact, he\u2019s become rather prolific at it in recent years. Many will remember his hat-trick of drop goals in England\u2019s opening round victory over Argentina in the 2023 World Cup, as well as being familiar with his regular three-point returns from goal-line dropouts in the English Premiership.<\/p>\n It\u2019s Ford\u2019s ability to strike the ball so cleanly, under so much pressure, that has earned him a spot in the top three drop goal kickers of all time, according to Donald.<\/p>\n Choosing to select former Springbok Morne Steyn<\/a> at number one and England\u2019s World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson at two, Donald felt that Ford deserved to go in at number three. He did, however, believe that one other former star deserved a mention.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s one who I haven\u2019t put in the top three, but he did one that broke a nation\u2019s heart. Joel Stransky, of course, the great South African who destroyed many a Kiwi heart in \u201995. He did it on the biggest stage.\u201d<\/p>\n World Rugby rankings: Springboks open up unassailable lead, England go third and dramatic weekend impacts World Cup draw<\/a><\/p>\n Who stood out for England?<\/p>\n