I know we don't seem to practice them (unless its Danny Care) but this RWC has showed (shown?) they can be a useful weapon if used right. I don't understand why we struggle to the 5 metre line before dropping the ball instead of get to the 22 and kick over for 3 points. At one of the "meet the coaches" evening, they said we don't use them as a tactic. Surely against a very resolute defence, they're a way of getting the scoreboard ticking over?

Completely agree. Danny used to do them reasonably often, especially when we had advantage, but even he seems to have stopped. Given how weak were are at getting over the line from shortish distance once our attack slows down, it would seem a great option

+ 100

As a now retired Rugby Coach I would say if you are not making progress against a flat defense then kicking is always an option.  It could be a grubber behind for people to run on to (if the full back is up and no sweeper), a dink over the top or a drop goal.  If they work then it is something the defence has to combat next time, possibly opening the defence up for the runners maybe next time.  Keep the defence thinking has always been my motto

Another one in Samoa v Russia today

Care and Gommers before him both did this. Anyone remember England losing to South Africa in 1995? Five Jannie de Beer drop goals in a row, all in about 30 minutes, 15 points down, heads down, game lost.

World cup Q/F - Paris 1999...

Care and Gommers before him both did this. Anyone remember England losing to South Africa in 1995? Five Jannie de Beer drop goals in a row, all in about 30 minutes, 15 points down, heads down, game lost.

Certainly do nightmare it made us look idiots

Before the England Tonga game there was some interesting discussion between Paul O’Connell and Jonny Wilkinson about drop goals and their effectiveness.

What I gleaned from it was the element of surprise being so important. If it becomes predictable or over used the opposition gets wise to the moves that lead to it and it becomes easier to charge down the kick.

I think the quote was "Probably the ugliest drop goal"