Advertisement
Lomu critical of England all-black shirt
New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu has criticised England's decision to use an all-black away kit at the World Cup.
England's new change strip - the same colour as New Zealand's 127-year-old All Black jersey - will be worn in the game against Argentina on 10 September.
"For me, in some ways you are just disrespecting the legacy of past players," Lomu told BBC Sport.
"The All Blacks are synonymous with being in all black, and England the white shirt they have."
ENGLAND'S WORLD CUP FIXTURES
Continue reading the main story- v Argentina: 10 September, Dunedin (0930 BST/2030 local)
- v Georgia: 18 September, Dunedin (0700/1800)
- v Romania: 24 September, Dunedin (0700/1800)
- v Scotland: 1 October, Auckland (0830/2030)
Martin Johnson's side will revert to white for their other group games against Georgia, Romania and Scotland.
But should there be a further clash in later rounds, the black kit could return.
Hosts New Zealand have said they have no qualms with England wearing it, but Lomu is less comfortable.
"I will find it difficult to watch England in a different shirt," stated the 36-year-old, who scored 37 tries in 63 appearances for the All Blacks before retiring in 2007.
"I am one of those people who was brought up on the history of rugby, watching the great players of the past who have worn the England shirt and also the All Blacks'.
"I will find it pretty weird to look across the paddock and see them run out not wearing that famous white uniform."
DID YOU KNOW?
Continue reading the main story- Jonah Lomu is the Rugby World Cup's all-time leading try scorer with 15 tries
The All Blacks have not won the World Cup since the inaugural tournament staged in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, but they will enter the 9 September-23 October tournament as favourites.
"It is theirs to lose," Lomu suggested. "It is on their home ground, they know the grounds better than any other team, they will have their fans there and the support around them from their own families.
"That is a huge advantage but at the same time, the players still have to do their job and do it well."
Boxing news CNN Boxing news CNN hbo boxing World Tennis CNN UK Rugby
No comments:
Post a Comment