As the 2015 Rugby World Cup draws ever nearer (105 days but really, who’s counting) the pomp and ceremony surrounding the event begins to gather speed. Last night saw the launch of the Springboks’ jersey for the World Cup in Cape Town, an event complete with dramatic music, smoke machines and plenty of muscle-bound men in very toit shirts.

Of course designing a jersey is no longer about just looking good with much research having gone into every last detail. Here’s eNCA:

The new jersey will be the lightest ever worn by South Africa, at 70 grams lighter than any previous jersey.

It was designed by scientists at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science in Kobe, Japan, in collaboration with the South African Rugby Union (Saru).

It is reported that big names like Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis, Duane Vermeulen and Patrick Lambie took part in the extensive testing process with Heyneke Meyer present to oversee proceedings. So what else is so lekker about the green and gold jumper then?

It also has smooth surface making it harder than ever before to keep hold of in the tackle, while an area which has seen significant development after player insight is the Super-Grip silicone which features on the chest of the jersey.

Now all we need is a built-in shock collar for brothers Bismarck and Jannie so that every time Heyneke sees them about to misbehave he can administer some electro-shock therapy.

The Springbok emblem, by the way, will be featured on the right sleeve rather than the front of the jersey. This has angered many supporters but I guess we should just pick our battles and be thankful it is there at all.

Below you can see some of the glitz and glamour surrounding the event.

[sources:enca&ewn]