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Watch: Stroke of luck saves Beauden Barrett's injury time game-winning penalty in Top League
By Online Editors
A last play penalty from over forty minutes out by Beauden Barrett won the game for Suntory Sungoliath in their heavyweight Top League clash against Toyota Verblitz.
It seemed as if Suntory had the game before a 78th minute try to Yuki Okada and conversion to Lionel Cronje squared everything up.
With time expired and scores tied 36-all, Beauden Barrett stepped up to the tee to emulate the feats of his younger brother Jordie, who slammed over multiple long range penalties in Hurricanes' win over the Highlanders on Friday night.
Often criticised for his inconsistent goal-kicking, Beauden exorcised those demons with his new team Suntory but needed a slice of luck to get his side home.
His kick was drifting away before clanging into the right upright and bouncing over, much to the relief of Barrett and his teammates.
Former teammate and partner in crime at the Hurricanes TJ Perenara took to Twitter to praise Barrett's kick, calling him 'clutch' and saying he has 'ice in his veins'.
The win kept Suntory undefeated with five from five while ensuring that rivals Toyota Verblitz now play one game behind in second place with four wins and one loss.
Toyota Verblitz have established themselves as a major player in the Top League in 2021, bolstered by the services of Kieran Read, Willie Le Roux and Michael Hooper along with astute signings in former New Zealand under-20 first five and Chiefs player Tiaan Falcon and former Highlanders centre Rob Thompson.
After the loss, the President of Toyota Motor Corporation entered the field to impart some words to his side. According to the captain, the message offered was:
"I'm glad you got a close battle but I want to see the win. Win when you win the tournament."
Former Highlanders wing Tevita Li scored two tries for the Sungoliath, as well as Brave Blossoms flanker Hendrik Tui who bagged a double also. Former Wallaby Sean McMahon also joined in on the scoring, grabbing the first try of the game.
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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