Gilbert Synergie
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The Gilbert Synergie is a
rugby union Rugby union, commonly known simply as rugby, is a close-contact team sport that originated at Rugby School in the first half of the 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand. In it ...
rugby ball A rugby ball is an elongated ellipsoidal ball used in both codes of rugby football. Its measurements and weight are specified by World Rugby and the Rugby League International Federation, the governing bodies for both codes, rugby union and rugby l ...
produced by Gilbert. The Gilbert Synergie was the official match ball of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, replacing the Gilbert Xact used in Australia during the
2003 Rugby World Cup The 2003 Rugby World Cup was the fifth Rugby World Cup. Originally planned to be hosted by India, all games were shifted to Australia following a contractual dispute over ground signage rights between the Indian Rugby Union and Rugby World Cup ...
. The ball was introduced in time for the
2006 Autumn internationals The 2006 end of year tests, also known as the 2006 Autumn Internationals, refers to several international rugby union matches that took place during November 2006 principally between touring teams from the southern hemisphere – Australia, Argentin ...
. The Synergie differs in a number of ways from the Xact — mainly with the advancement with the technology of the matrix grip pattern. The matrix uses star-shapes instead of the conventional round shapes, resulting in superior handling, in particular in wet conditions and kicking. A Gilbert engineer said of the Synergie that "we have been working on the new ball for Rugby World Cup 2007 for some time now and are confident that we have again developed a ball that will deliver the best all-round performance ever. A Multi Matrix grip pattern and reaction laminate construction allows the Synergie match ball to deliver improved handling whilst still maintaining the unique kicking performance of the current Xact ball".


References

{{reflist Rugby union equipment