adidas have unveiled the New Zealand Super XV franchises’ ‘Away’ shirts for the 2013 season, with four of the five Kiwi sides set to field shirts which are predominantly white.
The Blues shirt boasts the names of the provincial unions which make up the franchise on the collar of the shirt (Northland, North Harbour and Auckland), and, like the Home Shirt, features a stylise image of Rangitoto Island. While the design is subtle in white on white, observant viewers will notice that, while in real-life Rangitoto lies dormant, on the Blues jersey the Volcano is erupting – a sign of things to come from the Auckland-based side perhaps!
Made from adidas’ patented 100% Polyester Climacool material, the shirt is form fitting, lightweight yet strong, and breathable. The Blues and adidas logos are embroided on the front, with competition sponsors’ logos on the sleeves. Although predominantly neutral, striking use of ‘New Navy’ and ‘Power Blue’ add flair and excitment to the kit.
In-coming coach, legendary Auckland and All Blacks’ winger John Kirwan, has selected a young side as he strives to right the wrongs of the franchises worst ever season in 2012. Following a terrible campaign this year, Kirwan’s task was made even harder by the departure of All Blacks midfielder Ma’a Nonu, who heads to the Highlanders, and his inexperienced squad will be forced to learn on the run as they earn their Super Rugby stripes.
