‘Chassis’ drives new All Blacks jersey
The All Blacks have revealed their new jersey and former captain Richie McCaw will be happy since it’s still ‘‘black with a fern’’.
The new jersey, said by maker adidas to be the strongest ever with a ground-breaking chassis system and new fabric innovation, was unveiled in Auckland on Friday morning.
It will be seen on-field for the first time when the All Blacks play Ireland in Chicago on November 5.
At the release of the 2015 Rugby World Cup jersey, McCaw remarked first impressions were important, then saying: ’’When you first look at it you’re happy. It’s black with a fern. That’s the main thing.’’
All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino said the new jersey was ‘‘comfortable’’ and ‘‘very tough’’ and not too easy for opposition to grab hold of.
‘‘It’s very tough, and for us in the game it’s important to have a uniform that matches the game,’’ Kaino said on Breakfast.
The adidas research and development team said the jersey was the strongest they have produced with a design aimed at helping the team maintain their number one position in world rugby.
The jersey was developed over a two-year testing process, incorporating feedback from All Blacks squad members Owen Franks, Malakai Fekitoa and captain Kieran Read, who tested the system throughout the 2016 international season. The strength of the jersey was said to lie in the way the fabric was digitally woven together; with the weave producing the strongest rugby jersey adidas has ever created, reducing the likelihood of ripping.
The strength of the jersey was not the only innovation.
Adidas has developed a system which sat underneath the jersey and shorts; the ‘chassis system’, which combined with the jersey, supports the players’ kinetic chain and strengthened posture.
Following player feedback, the pattern of the jersey has also been re-engineered to improve the fit, preventing opposition players grabbing hold, and increasing breathability.
The collar has been changed, and was now ribbed for improved comfort and an adaptive fit.
It sat lower on the neck, making it difficult for an opponent to take hold.