FRANS STEYN WHO? BEAUDEN BARRETT HAILS ‘INCREDIBLE’ SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLBOY THAT KICKED INSANE ‘75M’ PENALTY
A South African schoolboy has gone viral on social media for a mammoth penalty kick, and it has alerted the attentions of New Zealand legend Beauden Barrett.
Dylan Stumke, who is a Grade 10 pupil at Menlopark High School, lined up the three-point attempt from way out.
According to Saffas Rugby, who posted the video, it equated to 75 metres. Usually, a kick from long range would be taken from straight in front, but what made this even more impressive was that it was on the angle.
Incredible effort
In fact, it was right on the sidelines, but it was no problem for Stumke and his siege-gun boot as the talented kicker bisected the uprights.
People debated the veracity of the length, given that it appeared to be kicked from halfway. It would, therefore, more likely be 65 metres, and, indeed, Saffas Rugby corrected the distance, stating: “Initial post sent to me person said 75. I can see where the purists want this corrected. 65 at least, though.”
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Even so, it was still an incredible kick and ex-England cricketer Kevin Pietersen saw it and copied in All Blacks legend Barrett, who was very impressed by the feat.
The playmaker had not tweeted for over two years – since March 2022 – but it was enough for him to take to X, formerly Twitter, and praise the youngster.
He wrote: “Incredible kick @KP24 – whether it’s at altitude or not.. Someone should use a range finder get the number. Probably a full lob wedge?”
Pietersen had posted: “This might be the best goal kick I’ve ever seen on a rugby field. Is it real???!”
Another ridiculous kick
It wasn’t the youngster’s only impressive long-range attempt as he scored a remarkable drop-goal from over halfway despite being put under significant pressure.
Those attempts proved crucial as his team claimed a 17-16 triumph on Saturday.
South Africans often have kickers that can convert penalties and drop-goals from distance with Frans Steyn arguably having the longest boot over the past 20 years, but Stumke may in time even eclipse the Springboks great. He is certainly one to watch.
2024-04-24T12:07:02Z dg43tfdfdgfd