KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks have a new jersey, which its maker says is 45 per cent lighter than the last.
Makers, adidas, said players physical movements during a game and their body's "heat zones" had been analysed.
It was launched in the locker rooms at Wellington's Westpac Stadium today by All Blacks Carl Hayman, Nick Evans, Rodney So'oialo and Ma'a Nonu.
Adidas New Zealand managing director, Greig Bramwell, said: "The new All Blacks jersey is 45 per cent lighter than the last, which makes it easier for players to wear and move in."
The company had also analysed how the All Blacks' bodies work during a game to match the jersey to movements.
"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, so the jersey has been designed to support that body position, it is a three dimensional garment.
"Bodymapping technology was also used to map heat zones during play to ensure the jersey breathes in all the right places to keep players cool."
The All Blacks have the silver fern embroidered on the left chest of the team jersey.
The fern shape had been used in the design of black-on-black mesh inserts into the latest All Blacks jersey.
Mr Bramwell said: "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."
The jersey was launched to the European market at an event at the New Zealand Embassy in Paris last night, with former All Black Jonah Lomu in attendance.
All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw, who was involved in testing of the jersey, said the team wanted to take every possible edge - including their jerseys - into the challenges of the Rugby World Cup this year.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
