England's bid to win a second World Cup has been given a pitlane push by British Formula One team McLaren who are lending Martin Johnson's side their best data analysts.
The McLaren analysts will pick over the players' personal GPS readings, which will enable the rugby team's management to tailor training sessions that will generate the best from each player.
England's association with McLaren is designed to give them a slight but potentially World Cup-winning advantage over the biggest rivals in New Zealand.
"If you think back to 2003, the greatest thing that Clive Woodward did was ensuring we were ahead of other people," explained England centre Mike Tindall who was a member of that winning side in Sydney eight years ago.
"Nowadays it's very hard. Everyone has caught up and is at the same level so you really are looking for that half a percent. The physical and conditioning guys are working with McLaren and trying everything they can to get that little bit more data and feedback," he explained.
Tindall said that England were willing to accept any slight advantage the analysts, who usually divide their time between drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, can give them.
He said: "If we can continue to do that hopefully we will steal those half percents. We're making sure we hit the ground running and a lot of the training has been more rugby based. In 2003 it was just hit the line - run, run, run.
"It has been a lot different. They are looking at all the data from the GPS and heart rate monitors, trying to predict when people are in a zone to get injuries. They also see when people are working to an optimum level and making sure they don't go over the edge of that," added Tindall.
Johnson's coaching team also borrowed the McLaren team radios for last Thursday's trial match to see if they were better than their equipment.
"We are trying to feed off each other, learn off each other. They are looking at how we analyse our GPS and they are showing us how they analyse their stuff," added England's defence coach Mike Ford.
England, who lost in the final four years ago, begin their World Cup campaign on September 10 when they tackle Argentina in Dunedin.
AFP
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
