Q
QKXV
Guest
I've seen this little story on rugby365.com a couple of days ago and expected some of the Kiwi members to have started a topic about the new AB's kit the minute it was launched but still nothing about it. Quite surprised actually seeing as most of the TRF trendsetters seem to hail from that part of the world. Like to hear some thoughts on this article, the new kit etc
http://www.rugby365.com/story/0,18881,3818_2090702,00.html
from rugby365.com
Further evidence that rugby is going to the dogs emerged on Thursday as hard-as-nails Carl Hayman was forced to sashay down a cat-walk in New Zealand at the behest of the moneymen from adidas.
The Highlanders prop was joined by Nick Evans, Ma'a Nonu and Rodney So'oialo as the All Black jersey for Rugby World Cup 2007 was revealed to gasps of appreciation from the fashionistas of the sporting world.
But whilst Hayman wore a face of defiled dignity, Nonu - who sports highlights and slaps on the mascara on match days - luxuriated in the warm glow of the popping flashbulbs.
At first glance, the jersey resembles the sort of skin-tight purist's nightmare pioneered by England in 2003. But no: adidas has trumped Nike by producing "a three-dimensional garment". Eureka!
If that isn't impressive enough, the All Blacks will benefit from the very latest "bodymapping" and "ForMotion" technology, "venting", "bonded seams" and "form-fitting fabric to reduce chafing and irritation".
The manufacturers, who claim to have spent 28 months "developing" the jersey, claim that the new collarless design is 45 per cent lighter than the last offering, which will be music to the ears of the like of Jerry Collins who would struggle under the weight of, well, an uprooted oak.
But the magic runs even deeper than that, as Greig Bramwell - CEO of adidas New Zealand - was only too happy to explain.
"During a rugby game, holding a ball, lifting, catching , passing, and setting up for a tackle, requires players to have their arms out in front of their body, rather than down by their sides," revealed Bramwell by moving his lips up and down in an equally revolutionary manner.
"So the jersey has been designed to support that body position - it is a three-dimensional garment."
Not even the sacred silver fern was spared an 'upgrade' in the name of science.
The symbol that has been held close to New Zealand's bravest hearts for over a century will now also appear in their armpits in the shape of "black-on-black mesh inserts".
"We wanted to enhance the nationalistic look and feel of the jersey while remaining true to the clean black look - so we incorporated an embossed fern into the side panel," explained Bramwell.
Hayman's lugubrious twirl at the end of the runway (what does one call that move?) also revealed a new twist to the "TechFit undergarment" worn by the players - intersecting grey panels across the shoulder blades.
Was this an intra-bonding cross-mesh Gatofor? A power-enhancing Met®-Protoshphere? Interlocking FIT enablators©?
Unfortunately, no one could tell us. We were left to conclude that it was simply a sartorial nod towards the cross the All Blacks have had to bear since baggy-jerseyed David Kirk hoisted the Webb Ellis Trophy way back in 1987.
But the final word went to New Zealand captain Richie McCaw.
"It helps to look at the stands and see lots of black jerseys too," he said.
Yes, replica jerseys are available in men's, women's and children's sizes at sportswear stores across New Zealand from 1 May.
Extend your arms out in front of your body and hurry down to the shops.
By Andy Jackson
http://www.rugby365.com/story/0,18881,3818_2090702,00.html
from rugby365.com
Further evidence that rugby is going to the dogs emerged on Thursday as hard-as-nails Carl Hayman was forced to sashay down a cat-walk in New Zealand at the behest of the moneymen from adidas.
The Highlanders prop was joined by Nick Evans, Ma'a Nonu and Rodney So'oialo as the All Black jersey for Rugby World Cup 2007 was revealed to gasps of appreciation from the fashionistas of the sporting world.
But whilst Hayman wore a face of defiled dignity, Nonu - who sports highlights and slaps on the mascara on match days - luxuriated in the warm glow of the popping flashbulbs.
At first glance, the jersey resembles the sort of skin-tight purist's nightmare pioneered by England in 2003. But no: adidas has trumped Nike by producing "a three-dimensional garment". Eureka!
If that isn't impressive enough, the All Blacks will benefit from the very latest "bodymapping" and "ForMotion" technology, "venting", "bonded seams" and "form-fitting fabric to reduce chafing and irritation".
The manufacturers, who claim to have spent 28 months "developing" the jersey, claim that the new collarless design is 45 per cent lighter than the last offering, which will be music to the ears of the like of Jerry Collins who would struggle under the weight of, well, an uprooted oak.
But the magic runs even deeper than that, as Greig Bramwell - CEO of adidas New Zealand - was only too happy to explain.
"During a rugby game, holding a ball, lifting, catching , passing, and setting up for a tackle, requires players to have their arms out in front of their body, rather than down by their sides," revealed Bramwell by moving his lips up and down in an equally revolutionary manner.
"So the jersey has been designed to support that body position - it is a three-dimensional garment."
Not even the sacred silver fern was spared an 'upgrade' in the name of science.
The symbol that has been held close to New Zealand's bravest hearts for over a century will now also appear in their armpits in the shape of "black-on-black mesh inserts".
"We wanted to enhance the nationalistic look and feel of the jersey while remaining true to the clean black look - so we incorporated an embossed fern into the side panel," explained Bramwell.
Hayman's lugubrious twirl at the end of the runway (what does one call that move?) also revealed a new twist to the "TechFit undergarment" worn by the players - intersecting grey panels across the shoulder blades.
Was this an intra-bonding cross-mesh Gatofor? A power-enhancing Met®-Protoshphere? Interlocking FIT enablators©?
Unfortunately, no one could tell us. We were left to conclude that it was simply a sartorial nod towards the cross the All Blacks have had to bear since baggy-jerseyed David Kirk hoisted the Webb Ellis Trophy way back in 1987.
But the final word went to New Zealand captain Richie McCaw.
"It helps to look at the stands and see lots of black jerseys too," he said.
Yes, replica jerseys are available in men's, women's and children's sizes at sportswear stores across New Zealand from 1 May.
Extend your arms out in front of your body and hurry down to the shops.
By Andy Jackson
I'll buy em...
