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IRB admits some RWC balls have been over-inflated

Over-inflation
By Sasha Distel October 10 2007
Some of the balls used in the Rugby World Cup have been over-inflated, according to the tournament organisers. Several kickers, including England’s Jonny Wilkinson, have complained about the ball’s inaccuracy, and now it appears they were right all along. The ball was originally given the all-clear last week after the complaints from players.

Big Rugby Ball

Above: one of the over-inflated balls.

Wilkinson, now the leading points scorer in World Cup history, missed three penalties against Australia in last weekend’s 12-10 victory, as did Aussie captain Stirling Mortlock.In fact, he had a chance to win the match with a kick two minutes before the end. His penalty looked to be going over until it moved late and went wide of the left-hand upright.International Rugby Board communications manager, Greg Thomas, said: "Some balls have been found to be over-inflated.
"When that happens, a ball's characteristics change. Information on the correct pressure is being sent out to the appropriate people. It is important to reiterate that this is not a new ball: it has been used in major tournaments before."
It’s not clear yet whether Australia and New Zealand will be asking for their quarter-finals to be replayed because of this admission from the IRB.

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Re: IRB admits some RWC balls have been over-inflated
Posted by: Bike Shed (IP Logged)
Date: 2007:10:10:11:36:34

Is it April 1st already ?

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Re: IRB admits some RWC balls have been over-inflated
Posted by: Ref Watch (IP Logged)
Date: 2007:10:10:12:26:32

Were they possibly blown up by a NZ ball boy .....seems to match thier teams over inflated (recently deflated) ego.

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Re: IRB admits some RWC balls have been over-inflated
Posted by: cheerycherry (IP Logged)
Date: 2007:10:11:08:42:49

Apparently the Scottish kickers were complaining about them too... what a load of rubbish, surely these pro players can tell when a ball is not the right pressure just by the feel of it?

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