Rugby: Computer technology growing part of tactics

WYNNE GRAY reports on a new facet of rugby teams' tactical preparation.

It is the Techno Test, with as much subterfuge, evasion and secrecy as the America's Cup.

All Blacks and Wallabies scuttle into special hotel rooms for analysis, players and coaches carry printouts with the same stealth they memorise passwords. These are the days when computers and rugby do mix.

The Wallabies will take their laptop to Eden Park, where a flick of the button just before halftime will give coach Rod Macqueen all the data he needs to deal with the state of the game.

In contrast, the All Blacks worked on computer-generated ideas earlier in the week but tonight will rely on observation, intuition and instruction from coaches John Hart and Peter Sloane to deal with any issues.

But both teams are very cagey about their technology.

However Macqueen agreed that his coaching staff used video footage and statistics far more each season.

It had become a necessary tool in the world of international rugby where teams scramble for any advantage.

"We have a system in place that gives us some of the basic type of things you would normally get when you have four or five people there taking the stats," he said.

"It doesn't matter how much you do as far as video analysis and statistical analysis, it is all about who goes out there on the field and does it on the day."

The man in charge of All Black operations is technical adviser Wayne Smith, now dubbed "Techno." Three years ago Smith met a man in his 60s with a background in soccer, coaching and computers.

Talk turned to developing computer studies for rugby and Smith has used a special programme with his successful Crusaders Super 12 side for the last two seasons.

Now the upgraded system is a constant companion for the All Blacks.

"Ours is a video editing machine with an analysis programme which compiles statistics and trends on us and the opposition," Smith said. "It is something similar to the Aussies' but they do not have our analysis programme.

"Ours is an exclusive, confidential system and we think it gives us an edge."

It was not for public inspection. It had been developed over several years and he was positive other sides would not get a better system until after the World Cup.

The Wallabies, Springboks, England, Wales and others were all locked into their operations now for the fourth world tournament.

In 1995, the Springboks used their computer analysis to get the drop on other sides at the World Cup. Out of that discovery the All Blacks started their first scheme with Gordon Hunter. His basic video replay system has been overtaken by "Techno" and his team.

Smith was quick to declare though, that his suitcase of screen, computer, discs and printer goodies was just a piece of the jigsaw which helped to mould a rugby team.

"The real skills with this are not burdening the players with too much. There can be paralysis with analysis but we have found the new system is a great time-saver for the players."

Smith spends about 20 hours a week gathering information which is used for specific training, player improvement, match preparation or checking on referees, as coach John Hart does. The instruction then is neat, quick and efficient.

"I get a lot of intellectual capital and feedback from the players about their opposition. I speak to other experts, take information from many games and put it all together," Smith said.

"It is another tool for the sport. Players have to adapt and react out on the field but this sort of thing gives them confidence they have done the right sort of match preparation.

"But the last thing we need are robots. There is no substitute for coaching. You can't get by without feel or intuition. But this is a fascinating new element in modern coaching."