Balls cause World Cup stir

Updated 10.36 Tue Sep 25 2007
Keywords: Dan Carter, New Zealand, World Cup, rugby union, sport

The balls being used at the 2007 Rugby World Cup are to be investigated.

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has made an official complaint after missing five out of his nine place-kicks against Scotland.

David Rice and Naomi Broady have had their funding withdrawn for a "lack of discipline"

Carter is unhappy that the balls given to players in practice are different from those used in the matches.

And the International Rugby Board's head of communications Greg Thomas has admitted that tournament organisers have asked manufacturers Gilbert to examine Carter's comments.

Thomas said: "There should not be any difference between the balls given to teams for training and those used in matches.

"We have not had an official complaint from New Zealand but we are aware of Daniel Carter's observations and we have asked Gilbert to look into the matter. Their response was immediate and they are currently carrying out an inquiry."

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