England finally unveil controversial all-black strip for World Cup

The all-black kit that sparked so much controversy and prompted the New Zealand prime minister to label England "a bunch of wannabes" has finally been unveiled by the Rugby Football Union. England will use the strip during their opening World Cup game against Argentina on 10 September, mimicking New Zealand's traditional colours. While Martin Johnson's side will revert to their usual white for their remaining group matches against Georgia, Romania and Scotland, they could return to the change kit later in the tournament. The host nation's prime minister, John Key, said last month "there's only one team that wears black with pride and that's the All Blacks". Former New Zealand players were just as vocal in their criticism, with Jonah Lomu accusing England of "disrespecting their own legacy" and the 1987 World Cup winner Michael Jones describing it as "psychological warfare". The England squad, however, seems unconcerned by all the fuss. "It has got the red rose on it and that is all that matters to us," the flanker Tom Wood said. "It is a bit of a marketing tactic and will raise a few eyebrows, I am sure. "But I don't think ultimately it will concern the All Blacks themselves. It is a change kit for the Argentina game, who play in white, so it is necessary. The All Blacks have worn white as their change kit and we haven't said anything about that. Perhaps the media will make something of it, but we like it. It looks good and it is good to wear." The kit will also be worn for Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against Wales at Twickenham.