French flanker Leo Banos pulled off the unthinkable for Pro D2 side Stade Montois when he took down a cross-field kick with his boot.
The trickery was produced in the Mont-de-Marsan (Montois) v Colomiers match last Thursday evening. The video starts out with South African fly-half Willie du Plessis launching a massive up-and-under towards the left flank.
It looks for the world like the ball is about to go out. However, like his namesake Leo Messi, Banos takes the ball down expertly, using the outside of the boot to create an angle to keep it in touch. Despite his foot touching the line, he had already kicked the ball. It is expertly crafted by the back-row.
A perfect grubber is produced as a result of the piece of skill, meaning the openside had an easy run in to complete a remarkable score. After the try was confirmed, Banos shot a cheeky look of surprise to his team mates.
The clip has amassed almost 100,000 views in five days on Twitter.
The final score was 26-23, with Banos' trickery proving crucial in getting the win. They are currently placed third in the Pro D2 table.
Banos' talent has not gone unnoticed. His performances for Stade Montois have earned him a move to Top 14 side Toulouse, who are one of the most star-studded teams in world rugby, with the likes of Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Jack Willis on their books.
The 20-year-old flanker will be providing cover for the French giants during the World Cup and Six Nations, where most of their stars will be away with their respective national sides. These will be loans firstly, before the move is made permanent going into the 2024-2025 season.
The score comes around the same time that 6ft 5in wing Freddie Clarke produced a Superman-style finish into the corner for Gloucester. This just goes to show what the modern day forward has to offer.
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