Joy of six for Wilko as he wins ball battle

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England demanded they be made available following serious concerns fuelled by nine missed kicks in the 2007 tournament by the normally deadly accurate Wilkinson.

Problems with over-inflation of the balls have been pinpointed as the major reason for inconsistent flight and England insisted they needed to get used to those being used in the semi-finals.

As a result of their moves, Cup organisers today agreed to let Wilkinson have use of all six at the kicking session at Stade de France later today. France, the host nation, will get the same privilege for their training run out.

In another move designed to appease fears that the ball has become an unwelcome variable in matches, the two teams will be given three of the six for their on-field practice immediately before kick off on Saturday evening.

A World Cup spokesman told Standard Sport: "Each team will be allowed to kick with the six match balls and they will have three each before kick off.

"When incorrect pressure is used, a ball's characteristics change. Information on the correct pressure is being sent out to the appropriate people."

Meanwhile, English referee Wayne Barnes, the subject of a hate campaign by New Zealand fans after he made controversial decisions in their defeat by France, will not be given extra security when he is involved in the South Africa versus Argentina semi-final.

Barnes will be covered by the normal match security system in the technical area. A World Cup spokesman said: "Nothing extra has been instigated."