Until last Saturday by popular consent the Summit ball used on this tour was more difficult to kick out of the hand as well. It "wobbles" more easily in flight, according to Rob Henderson and Iain Balshaw, though Balshaw seemingly speaks for all his fellow Lions when pointing out that its superior grip makes it "better for handling, for giving and taking a pass". Jason Robinson also confirmed Balshaw's impression that the ball is a little rounder than the ones they normally use back in Europe and that this is closer to a rugby league ball.

Ronan O'Gara - who landed 13 out of 18 in the first match - admitted he didn't particularly like it, and nor reputedly does Neil Jenkins, who missed three of his eight kicks. Then up stepped Matt Perry to land four from four before Jonny Wilkinson landed seven out of eight. So much for that theory.