All Blacks Coaches get the Big Picture

All Blacks Coaches get the Big Picture

All Blacks coaches John Mitchell and Robbie Deans have been given an extra set of eyes to help them make tactical decisions during All Blacks matches. Telecom has developed a video analysis system that beams a wide-angle TV view of the game direct to their coaches’ box.

A Telecom high-capacity wireless data link feeds an uninterrupted wide-angle view of the game to the coaches’ laptop. The pictures come from a Sky TV camera on half way and offer the widest view available of the action unfolding on the field - independent of edited, multi-camera presentation beamed to audiences at home.

The action appears on the laptop after a 15 second delay, in effect giving the coaches, who are tracking the live action on the field, a continuous replay system. Future developments will include the ability to freeze the action and replay or bookmark a passage of play for review later on.

The NZRU IT specialist in charge of the system, Andrew Sullivan, says the All Blacks coaches have different demands to the supporter at home or in the stands.

“As coaches, they are looking for specific things, be it defensive holes or backline alignments. The delayed video feed offers a second chance view of specific aspects of a game as it unfolds.”

The video analysis system was developed by Telecom Advanced Solutions, and was first used during this year’s Xtra Super 12 at Jade Stadium by the Crusaders.

Telecom Sponsorship Manager Brett Hollister says that the development of the video analysis system has been an example of Telecom’s close relationship with the NZRFU in action.

“We think of our sponsorship as a partnership. It’s built around finding ways to use our expertise in communications technology to help New Zealand rugby. The world’s top sports teams are all using communications technology to get an advantage on the field. We’re thrilled we’ve been able to offer the same advantage to the All Blacks,” he says.

The video analysis system works by converting the video feed into internet protocol, which allows it to be beamed to a laptop in the coaches’ box using an 802.11B wireless connection with 11 mega-bit per second capacity. The system is portable and can be used at any ground where a video feed from the host broadcaster is available.

Brett Hollister says Telecom will also provide the telecommunications infrastructure to support the NZRU’s Melbourne-based World Cup headquarters later in the year.

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