RWC Ball

ch2008

Has something changed? Carter, Wilkinson, Sexton and pretty much every other outhalf has struggled kicking off the tee. ITV saying its the same ball they used for HC and 6N. Seems odd though, even Paterson is struggling...

http://www.balls.ie/2011/09/11/kick-of-the-world-cup-so-far/

handsomecake

from what i heard they have been using this ball for a while now in preparation for the rwc. it just wasnt painted in the rwc colours

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC_UKiNlii8

can all the ball talk stop.they have been using the same ball in the autumn internationals and 6 nations

Jawgap

According to the official RWC website......

(As of April 2011) "So far it has seen action in the autumn series of Internationals and throughout the Six Nations – over 30 hours play time of International Rugby."

apart from the kicking, some of the unforced handling errors have looked a bit strange - as in normally reliable players suddenly developing butter fingers.

irishbucsfan

Matt Williams said something about there being a film on new balls that needs to be worn down, and how at big events the officials don't allow it.

Could be rubbish, but there could be something in it.

It is weird that Jonny Wilkinson, the best kicker of all time, had such a bad day.

sock puppet

irishbucsfan wrote: »

It is weird that Jonny Wilkinson, the best kicker of all time, had such a bad day.

When you think back he kicked very poorly in the last world cup too though he had injury problems then.

ixus

Whatever about the kicking and the new ball, I've held international standard rugby balls and the grip is like sandpaper compared to what you'd be playing with at club level.

I can't understand how an international player could let one slip out of their hand with that grip. They should try a six month old club ball!

RoryMc23

Jawgap wrote: »

According to the official RWC website......

(As of April 2011) "So far it has seen action in the autumn series of Internationals and throughout the Six Nations – over 30 hours play time of International Rugby."

apart from the kicking, some of the unforced handling errors have looked a bit strange - as in normally reliable players suddenly developing butter fingers.

So its been used in 22 games? Hardly a lot considering the amount of games in the AIs, 6 nations and Tri Nations - it might add up to a little over 2 games per team!

I just find it odd that well established kickers such as Contepomi, Wilkinson, and Patterson were missing so badly, even O'Gara's first attempt was far too wide for a man of his class. There were also a fair few missed kicks in the Australia v Italy game.

I was listening to RTE radio 1 today and the commentator said that Wilkinson was bemoaning the ball in private but was prohibited from bad mouthing as part of Gilberts sponsorship agreement with the IRB. It might explain why no one has come out publicly to criticise the ball.

fullstop

ch2008 wrote: »

Has something changed? Carter, Wilkinson, Sexton and pretty much every other outhalf has struggled kicking off the tee. ITV saying its the same ball they used for HC and 6N. Seems odd though, even Paterson is struggling...

http://www.balls.ie/2011/09/11/kick-of-the-world-cup-so-far/

ITV are wrong. The HC ball is made by Adidas, the WC ball is made by Gilbert.