Tournament ball bounces into focus amid errant displays

AMONG the numerous fixes needed in Ireland’s play this week as the team flies to Auckland today ahead of Saturday’s clash with Australia is some wet-weather training with the new Rugby World Cup ball.

Ireland copped the worst conditions of the tournament so far yesterday in New Plymouth as the rain poured on their opening 22-10 victory over the USA and a series of dropped balls and missed passes meant Declan Kidney’s side left a big score out on the field rather than on the scoreboard.

Full-back Geordan Murphy was among those having difficulties in the wet weather and he said that was in part down to the new ball in use at the tournament.