Springbok kickers Derick Hougaard and Ruan Pienaar will be using an Australian made Summit ball in Saturday’s test against the Wallabies, and apparently it’s totally different to the Gilbert ball they are accustomed to. They don’t like it.
“It’s the first time I’ve kicked it and it’s not like a Gilbert ball at all,†said Hougaard.
“Its flight, especially if the wind is a little funny, but fortunately it’s the same for both sides so I suppose it shouldn’t really make a difference.
“I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried kicking it hard, I’ve tried stroking it, I’ve tried timing it but it’s not what I’m used to. The key, like for any ball, is to concentrate on striking it well. It feels harder than a Gilbert ball and it seems to be lighter.
“But the poles remain the poles and my job will be to get the ball through them. I’ll just have to kick it straight on the day,†he smiled.
Ruan Pienaar also battled with his practice kicks to posts and box kicks, with the ball veering off unexpectedly at times.
Ja Liefling I doubt it will be the same for both teams as it’s an Ozzie ball and they’ve played with it before.