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All Blacks five eighth Dan Carter lines up a kick at the goal during the Rugby Union Bledisloe Cup Australia v New Zealand rugby test match at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, August 2, 2008. AAP Image/Photosport, Andrew Cornaga
The ball is an important part of any ball sport, whether it is association football, Australian Rules football, American football, rugby or league, and can affect how the game is played.
Although football codes are often categorised into the two “round ball” and “squashed ball” types, much evolution has occurred over the years to change this.
Possibly one of the biggest issues, as I often say, facing rugby is the huge amount of kicking becoming evident and turning viewers and players away (though this has slowed and some of it is necessary). It’s probably time for rugby to take a tip off association football (from what I can understand) and invest in developing the best ball to encourage positive play.
Imagine a ball harder to kick from 50 – since players are finding it increasingly easy to do – a ball that can function in all the same ways except in being able to fly 70 metres off the foot of some crazy South African kicker.
Don’t say it can’t be done. It’s done often, though it might be to create greater kicking distances.
FIFA is brilliant at being progressive with ball designs, although with some criticism. It is within reach and it is a huge possibility.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.