"It didn't rock me, because the collar didn't stretch all the way round. I just didn't think the white strip went far enough. It looks like they're missing half the neck."
However, he said the new strip was remarkable for how little opposition it has stirred up among rugby fans.
"Nobody's bitching. To satisfy the New Zealand rugby public is a monumental achievement."
Neville Findlay of Zambesi said he would like to see the new jersey go completely black. He also called for sponsor Adidas to allow their logo to be moved from the jersey front to its sleeve.
"It's all about black and it's all about the silver fern. It would just look a bit more 'hard out' if it were all black. Here it's a pseudo collar. It's not a place for anything that's pseudo."
Huffer designer Justin Souter said the uniform was "authentic" looking and the skin tight design would make sure players stick to their training.
He only called for changes to the cut of the collar.
Francis Hooper of World was more scathing, labeling the new uniform disappointing and predictable and calling for a return to the 1905 'Invincibles' design.
He said reports up to two years of research and development work went into the design were "ridiculous".
"You can put man on the moon faster than that... It would take us two weeks - and that would be with a lot of luxury."
The design did win support from World Cup winning All Black Wayne "Buck" Shelford, who said the uniform was a tribute to players of his generation.
"They're going back to a time that was very successful. Hopefully we'll do the same thing again. It's got to be an honour to all these All Blacks that have used the jersey before."
Former All Black flanker Josh Kronfeld said the new strip looked good without living up to the "melodrama" preceding its unveiling.
The colour of the uniform mattered less than the legacy left by the players who had worn it, he said.
"It's the players that came before that make the jersey. The jersey is just an extension of those players."
If sales of the new jersey are any indication, the public are fans of the new kit.
Trish Haxton, manager of Champions of the World on Auckland's Queen St, said there had been "hundreds" of pre-orders for the new jersey, which went on sale yesterday morning.
"As soon as we rang people to tell them the stock had arrived they came in," she said.
"It's like back to the future. I think the white collar being old school and the technology aspects being new ... it has combined really well."
A regular men's All Black jersey was retailing for $190, while women's and children's shirts retail for $150 and $140 respectively.
All Black greats:
Wayne "Buck" Shelford: 10/10. "Put me in the positive column."
Stu Wilson: 8/10. "Nobody's bitching. To satisfy the New Zealand rugby public is a monumental achievement."
Josh Kronfeld: 7/10. "After all the song and dance, what can you do with black? It doesn't invigorate or excite me."
Fashion designers:
Neville Findlay of Zambesi: 8/10. "I see what they've done. But I have a few qualms with the collar."
Justin Souter of Huffer: 9/10. "I'd certainly be keen to get my hands on one."
Francis Hooper of World: 4/10. "Very disappointed. Could do better."
