England won the Rugby World Cup four years ago with a breathtaking Jonny Wilkinson drop goal just 26 seconds from the end of a thrilling final in Sydney.
This weekend England start their 2007 campaign against the United States of America. Unfortunately for England, Wilkinson, England’s 2003 World Cup final match-winner, has been ruled out of the opening game due to an ankle injury.
However, everyone will be hoping that he will be back in his adidas +Predator Absolute boots in time for the second game against South Africa next Friday.
The +Predator Absolute features new PowerPulse technology which shifts the centre of gravity closer to the point of impact. PowerPulse technology was developed in co-operation with the University of Calgary and delivers the sort of sweet spot science more usually found in golf clubs.
Scientists found that shooting with these boots increased ball speed by 2% compared to the most recent Predator, or by 5% compared to a standard rugby boot.
The boot comes with two insoles, one with a specially positioned 40g weight and one without. The weight, which has been moved from other parts of the boot, sits behind the foot at the point of impact creating maximum power transfer.
The interchangeable insoles allow players to customise to their needs, providing the most powerful Predator ever, or the lightest.