Drop goals safe for now

By James Standley

Wilkinson's drop goal won England the World Cup

Drop goals are unlikely to be reduced in value in the wake of Jonny Wilkinson's World Cup heroics for England.

There have been reports that rugby union chiefs will cut the value from three points to two at the International Rugby Board's (IRB) post-World Cup conference next month.

But an IRB spokesman told this website: "This is not anything that has been raised at any serious level."

He added: "I don't even know if the issue will be discussed - lots of issues will be discussed."

Rugby officials from around the world will gather for the IRB conference in Auckland.

Several former players, including ex-All Black Grant Batty and former Wallaby Rod McCall, have backed the call to reduce drop goals from three points to two.

But Rea stressed that even if the matter was raised, the conference had no powers to change the law.

"The conference is not a decision-making forum, it only consults," he said.

"We wouldn't make changes of such a nature without discussion with all parties involved.

Wilkinson honoured again

"If it was to happen it would have to be done by the IRB law committee, and so far as I know they have no intention of looking at it."

The issue of how much a drop goal is worth is back in the spotlight thanks to Wilkinson's displays in Australia.

Concerns were also raised in 1999 when South African fly-half Jannie de Beer kicked five drop goals to beat England in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Wilkinson won the World Cup for England with a right-footed effort in the last minute of extra-time and kicked a total of eight drop goals in six matches.