Departing All Blacks pack up an old kit bag

From left, Jimmy Cowan, Mose Tuiali'i, James Ryan and Conrad Smith model past and present All Blacks kit. Picture / Kenny Rodger

The All Blacks are thankful for two modern developments over the past 100 years - sprigs and planes.

Four All Blacks held a small fashion parade of their 2005 uniforms for the tour of Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland, next to those worn by their forebears a century ago.

The catwalk was a pontoon near the Ferry Building on Auckland's waterfront - the return landing spot for the 1905 Originals in March 1906, six months after they had left for their tour of Britain, Ireland, France and the United States.

Modern aircraft mean this year's All Blacks can travel to Britain and Ireland for four test matches and be back, all in less time than it took the 1905 team to get to England by steamer.

The Originals were the first team to be called the All Blacks, but the legend did not stop new cap Jimmy Cowan complaining about his 1905 boots for the fashion parade.

"I just can't understand how they got on with these boots. Where are the sprigs?"

Bob Howitt, co-author of the 1905 Originals book, said Cowan shouldn't grumble.

"Billy Wallace kicked 163 points and got 27 tries in those boots, so they can't be that bad."

Howitt noted that only four penalties were awarded during the entire tour.

"It was all about scoring tries for the All Blacks in 1905."

Cowan's shorts were just as genuine - truncated knickerbockers that ended just above the knees, and a lot less snug than those worn by 2005 model Mose Tuiali'i.

The adidas insignia gave Cowan's jersey away as a retro replica.

Conrad Smith was quite taken with his suit, featuring coat-tails, embroidered waistcoat and bowler hat.

"I'd have no problem changing into this after a game. The tails, I think, are a must. "

The natty attire was hired from a costume shop.

Apparently the Originals did not have a "number one" uniform - All Black lingo for flash get-up.

"They all just took along their provincial suits. That's what I've been told anyway," said Smith.

The 35-man All Blacks squad left for Britain last night.