Robbie - naughty but nice

By SCOTT MACLEOD

The Robbie Williams phenomenon retains its grip on New Zealand - more than a year after he last visited here.

The English popstar will appear in front of thousands of people, mostly women, at Ericsson Stadium tomorrow night, after having worked fans into a frenzy at concerts in Wellington and Christchurch this week.

So what is his appeal? The Weekend Herald found out from Auckland women.

"He has a naughty expression," said Arabella Voskuilen, aged 28.

"He's certainly a babe," said Vicki Johnston, 33.

"I like how he struts his stuff," said Alana Billows, 17.

"I love him - he's arrogant, but I find that funny," said Vanessa DaRos, 27.

"My mum loves him but I don't," said Rebecca Nolan, 18.

"He's got beautiful legs," said Kathryn McErlain, 32.

Another breathless woman said: "I want him to sign my book.

"Where's he staying? When will he get off the plane?"

Williams seems quite fond of New Zealand, and sports Maori-style tattoos.

When he visited in July last year, he had a high-profile fling with Hamilton model Robyn Reynolds.

Herald music critic Russell Baillie, who saw Williams in concert in Melbourne two weeks ago, said the popstar looked "a right tosser" when he took to the stage.

But he redeemed himself with a nutty, energetic performance - which is just what his fans are hoping for tomorrow night in Auckland.