Rugby mascot faces big tests

Kyle Underwood is amazed by global attention to Richie McCow who has a

Along with "clean" stadiums and legions of corporate guests, most global sporting events require a mascot, usually dreamed up by a team of expensive consultants.

But with only 50 days to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off, a calf on a Northland farm is steadily growing into its role as the unofficial symbol of this year's tournament.

Richie McCow - actually a bull - was born on a Maungaturoto farm entirely black except for a white forehead marking which looks remarkably like a silver fern.

Kyle Underwood, 21, sent a photo of the calf to the Herald, convinced Richie was an omen from the sporting gods for a long-awaited All Blacks' victory in this year's tournament.

The story was picked up by newspapers around the world, including the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, France, Jamaica, and Taiwan.

When the Herald visited yesterday Mr Underwood had just finished an interview with a One News crew.

While Richie seemed entirely unfazed, Mr Underwood admitted being taken aback.

"It's very overwhelming and kind of unbelievable really," he said.

"It's been all positive. Everyone thinks he's cute, of course. I guess it's just really surprising that a small calf in a rural town like Maungaturoto could get worldwide attention."

The Herald will test Richie's apparently special nature by presenting the calf with two containers of food prior to the All Blacks' matches. One container will be marked with a New Zealand flag, the other with the opposition's flag.

A German octopus called Paul gained worldwide fame during the 2010 Fifa World Cup by correctly calling the outcome of eight matches.