New Zealand Rugby
All Blacks unveil new jersey
ESPNscrum Staff
July 30, 2011
The All Blacks perform their traditional Haka, New Zealand v South Africa, Tri-Nations, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, July 30, 2011
The All Blacks perform their haka in the latest New Zealand jersey © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Richie McCaw
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup | Tri Nations
Teams: New Zealand

The All Blacks have paid tribute to the victorious 1987 World Cup side with a return to the white collar on their shirt for the forthcoming World Cup.

The new high-tech jersey, which has been designed and tested in conjunction with several senior All Blacks including captain Richie McCaw, was unveiled for the first time when the All Blacks took the field against South Africa in their opening Tri-Nations match at Westpac Stadium.

The new strip marks the biggest changes - in technology and design - to the iconic All Blacks jersey in more than a decade.The most obvious change is the return of the white collar which was removed in 1999.

"It's pretty awesome to be involved in creating a new All Blacks jersey," McCaw said. "People all over the world recognise the jersey, and of course Kiwis feel extremely strongly about it, so to make a change to it is a big deal. This new jersey is revolutionary - but it's still very much an All Blacks jersey. It's still something I'm very proud to wear."

Adidas New Zealand country manager David Huggett said the jersey used seamless technology and custom-created fabrics. "The All Blacks jersey is one of the most powerful symbols of New Zealand pride, worn by the most successful sports team in the world. It doesn't get any bigger than that."

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