Rugby player's horror kick a 'circus' show

Auckland flyhalf Simon Hickey has entered goalkicking's 'hall of shame' after slipping during a horror penalty attempt against Manukau in the ITM.

The former New Zealand U20 international was lining up a straight forward conversion when disaster struck at ECOLight Stadium in Pukekohe.

Moving into strike the ball, the 21-year-old's left foot slid out from underneath him, forcing his right boot to slam into the ball and send it bobbling along the ground to a rival player.

The unbelievable moment left Hickey flat on his back, holding his head in hands as Counties launched a counter attack.

The strange sequence of events left Sky Sports NZ commentator Scott 'Sumo' Stevenson in a state of shock.

"The circus has come to town," Stevenson said.

"I'm surprised it didn’t break his leg for starters."

The embarrassing gaffe didn’t prove fatal with Auckland surging away to record a 31-16 victory.