i dont know, i remember playin with it, the kickin wasnt the problem i dont think, it was a different shape to the 4 panel one

I believe they changed manufacturer... simple as that really

The 8 Panel ball was a Mitre one I think. I always preferred the Puma one they had before that, it was a little rounder than they are today and easier to pass with and kick.

It was made by Gilbert.

I remember the used to balloon to a much rounder shape than they should be. Wasn't it only for the 2000 World Cup anyway :s

I seem to remember the switch to Steeden being made so that our players were used to the same ball as the Australians and help a bit in international competition.

Did anyone give the England players one to practice with?

Maybe not.......

That was the excuse at the time. Hasn't really worked, has it?

No the ball is all right, it's the rules thats the problem.

i used to enjoy playing with them. i still have a couple that i use to kick about on the field. i didnt see an issue performance wise, i wonder what the real reason behind stopping using them was.....

Yep you're right. It was changed because it was fantastic for long passing, but was much more difficult to accurately kick.

aye, thats right, there were two versions of the 8 panel brought out, the first being the big fat one that was kick tastic, then cos of complaints they streamlined it for the following year, which i seem to recall had lost most of the benefits of the original version, i don't think briers kicked a 40/20 with the second one but kicked them for fun with the first one.