Dunedin company Insight Sport has been in talks with All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith about developing a video-based training tool for the team to use exclusively during this year's tournament.
The company's project was given a boost yesterday, with a $30,000 grant from the Dunedin City Council's industry project fund to help pay for its development.
However, the men behind the project remained tight-lipped at a press briefing, organised to show the council's support for Dunedin businesses.
Insight Sport founder Hayden Croft, project manager Mark Miller and research developer Edwin Nieman refused to discuss details of their project.
Mr Croft said the tool would "improve perception, skills and decision-making", but declined to elaborate.
"It's quite covert really, not wanting to let our secrets out but also [for] the All Blacks keeping a bit of security," he said.
The trio formed the company earlier this year, after All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith suggested developing the tool during earlier talks with Mr Croft.
It was hoped a prototype would be available for the All Blacks to use during this year's Tri Nations competition, beginning in July.
The completed version would also be used exclusively by the All Blacks during the Rugby World Cup, beginning on September 9, Mr Miller said.
The All Blacks were a "test case", but it was hoped the tool would have wider applications for other sports and would be promoted commercially following the rugby tournament, he said.
Cr John Bezett - announcing industry project funds worth $290,700 yesterday - said the council had decided to take "a little bit of a risk" by backing the company's training tool.
"We believe there's real potential there. This is on the edge, but we just hope it works for you - and us," he told the recipients yesterday.
