By WYNNE GRAY
The new adidas rugby ball has not been a great hit with either of the All Black first five-eighths.
Tony Brown did not like the way the yellow ball floated in the test with Tonga, and last night Andrew Mehrtens joined in with his reservations after the opening test
with Scotland.
Questioned about the ball, Mehrtens did his diplomatic best but obviously had reservations about its performance.
He had to change to a drop punt rather than his regular spiral kick because the different surface on the ball reacted with the air and reduced its distance.
"But in the last couple of years even with the Gilbert ball we have used the drop punt for touch from penalties for accuracy," said Mehrtens.
The 27-year-old, who goaled seven from 11 conversions last Saturday, felt he had not kicked especially well for goal.
"'Brownie' showed it was okay at North Harbour where the ball flew straight and true, but mine sort of wobbled a bit," said Mehrtens.
"You have got to strike it a bit harder than you do with the Gilberts.
"They don't quite have the same carry, but that is part of it.
"I am reasonably conservative anyway and generally opposed to change, so I was always happy to stay with the status quo. I mean, we were happy with the Gilbert ball but if adidas is intent on producing a good ball, that's sweet, I'll go with that."
