Prolific Jenkins kicks up a storm
By Mark Souster
HE IS 32, troubled by an arthritic knee and has a dodgy leg to boot, but Neil Jenkins continues to defy the odds and set standards that may never be surpassed. His place in rugby history is assured, after 87 appearances for Wales in which he set a world record of 1,049 points. But the Ginger Monster, as he is affectionately known, is in the middle of a goalkicking hot streak.
In his past ten matches for Celtic Warriors, Jenkins has, with unerring accuracy, converted 44 goals out of 44. He has not missed a kick since October 31 last year, against Munster at Thomond Park. Imagine playing a round of golf and not missing a putt or never missing a double during a darts match. It is the equivalent of sporting nirvana. Even by Jenkinss exemplary standards, it is a remarkable feat of consistency from a player whom Jonny Wilkinson looked up to as a boy.
The total is made up of 30 penalty goals and 14 conversions and has been accumulated in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup. Whatever the weather, whatever the conditions, whatever the range, Jenkinss right boot has not failed him.
He surpassed himself at Donnybrook on Friday evening, though, against Leinster Lions in the Celtic League, when he added four conversions and three penalties in a 37-16 win. Jenkins had what appeared to be an impossible conversion attempt, pinned as he was tight to the touchline with little room to manoeuvre. He had virtually to complete a full circle before making contact with the ball, but it made no difference over it went.
I am starting to wish I had missed a few lately, Jenkins said. It is getting ridiculous. The Celtic Warriors have won their past five games and all anyone can talk about is my kicking. It is my job. Praising me for it is like praising the postman for delivering 44 letters in a row.
Stuart Farmer, one of Britains leading rugby statisticians, cannot find anything to match Jenkinss prowess. The nearest he could come across is a sequence of 33 by Jared Barker, the Canada fly half, between June and August 2002. Wilkinson has the best record in the English domestic game a run of 28 in the Zurich Premiership in September 2000 for Newcastle Falcons.
Farmer, who runs Stuart Farmer Media Services, said: It is an astonishing achievement by any standard. If anyone knows any better I would love to hear from them.
By Mark Souster
HE IS 32, troubled by an arthritic knee and has a dodgy leg to boot, but Neil Jenkins continues to defy the odds and set standards that may never be surpassed. His place in rugby history is assured, after 87 appearances for Wales in which he set a world record of 1,049 points. But the Ginger Monster, as he is affectionately known, is in the middle of a goalkicking hot streak.
In his past ten matches for Celtic Warriors, Jenkins has, with unerring accuracy, converted 44 goals out of 44. He has not missed a kick since October 31 last year, against Munster at Thomond Park. Imagine playing a round of golf and not missing a putt or never missing a double during a darts match. It is the equivalent of sporting nirvana. Even by Jenkinss exemplary standards, it is a remarkable feat of consistency from a player whom Jonny Wilkinson looked up to as a boy.
The total is made up of 30 penalty goals and 14 conversions and has been accumulated in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup. Whatever the weather, whatever the conditions, whatever the range, Jenkinss right boot has not failed him.
He surpassed himself at Donnybrook on Friday evening, though, against Leinster Lions in the Celtic League, when he added four conversions and three penalties in a 37-16 win. Jenkins had what appeared to be an impossible conversion attempt, pinned as he was tight to the touchline with little room to manoeuvre. He had virtually to complete a full circle before making contact with the ball, but it made no difference over it went.
I am starting to wish I had missed a few lately, Jenkins said. It is getting ridiculous. The Celtic Warriors have won their past five games and all anyone can talk about is my kicking. It is my job. Praising me for it is like praising the postman for delivering 44 letters in a row.
Stuart Farmer, one of Britains leading rugby statisticians, cannot find anything to match Jenkinss prowess. The nearest he could come across is a sequence of 33 by Jared Barker, the Canada fly half, between June and August 2002. Wilkinson has the best record in the English domestic game a run of 28 in the Zurich Premiership in September 2000 for Newcastle Falcons.
Farmer, who runs Stuart Farmer Media Services, said: It is an astonishing achievement by any standard. If anyone knows any better I would love to hear from them.
