'70m ball' to make debut in Baabaas game

Ma'a Nonu (left) and Dan Carter watch as Casey Laulala tries out his kicking skills. Picture / Fotopress

LONDON - The ball that supposedly flew up to 70m from the boot of Daniel Carter earlier this year will make its debut on the professional stage in the match between the All Blacks and Barbarians on Sunday morning NZ time at Twickenham.

The New Zealand Rugby Union's (NZRU) chief sponsor, adidas, has been developing the ball for two years and it was publicly unveiled at the All Blacks' first training run here today, with every player keen to test its properties, particularly goalkicking.

However, those involved with its development say reports that All Blacks' ace Carter and some of his Canterbury teammates were achieving unprecedented feats of distance in private sessions were exaggerated.

English goalkicking coach Dave Alred said the ball had good all round qualities but did not necessarily fly further than any other.

"It's not about distance ... it's not some kind of super ball," Alred said today.

Among its selling points were better "balance" for accurate passing and kicking and its capacity to not harden in cold weather, Alred said.

He and several leading goalkickers, including Carter and England star Jonny Wilkinson, had helped refine the ball. It had been tested in some club games in Britain.

Other companies are expected to produce their own new models as the race hots up to be the ball used at the 2007 World Cup.

Gilbert still holds the contract as official ball sponsors of the NZRU.

Meanwhile, new-look Super 12 jerseys to be worn over the next two years are to be launched here on Thursday.

- NZPA