All Whites adopt Feelers song for World Cup

Stan Walker said he was inspired by the All Whites' march into the FIFA World Cup finals. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A Kiwi-penned rock tune will have its place as a World Cup anthem, but not in 2011.

The All Whites will use a cover version of The Feelers' Stand Up, as performed by Kiwi chart-topper Stan Walker, as their official song for June's FIFA World Cup.

"Lyrically, the song captures everything this campaign is about," New Zealand Football chief Michael Glading said in a statement released today.

He said the World Cup presented "exactly the sort of challenge New Zealanders can stand behind."

Walker, who shot to fame last year as the first Australian Idol last year, said he wasn't a die-hard football fan but the All Whites' dramatic qualification into the World Cup finals had changed his mind.

"The All Whites have certainly earned my respect and support with reaching the pinnacle of their sport," he said.

The decision by Rugby World Cup bosses in New Zealand to use a Jesus Jones cover by The Feelers as a promotional song struck the wrong chord with fans and commentators.

Stand Up, from the 2003 album Playground Battle, was a prominent choice among songs nominated by nzherald.co.nz readers asked if The Feelers and Right Here, Right Now were the right choices to promote the Rugby World Cup.

"A Kiwi classic, and quite apt" read one comment.

"It is a song that would inspire players, supporters and organisers alike to do the best that they possibly can and promote NZ," read another.

Stan Walker's version was recorded in March and is available for sale from digital retailers.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE