Probe over World Cup rugby balls
The International Rugby Board says ball manufacturers Gilbert is launching a probe into complaints about differences between match balls and practice balls. New Zealand's Dan Carter, one of the world's most reliable goalkickers, says players have not been able to use match balls in practice.
"We've been using replica balls rather than being able to train with the balls we play with," he said.
IRB spokesman Greg Thomas said Gilbert had responded immediately to the claim.
Carter, whose career strike-rate is 80%, missed five place kicks out of nine in the All Blacks' 40-0 win over Scotland at Murrayfield despite the lack of wind.
Ireland's Ronan O'Gara and Jonny Wilkinson of England have also been inconsistent with their kicking so far in the tournament.
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