Iconic teams model match kit makeover

All Black Joe Rokocoko and Silver Fern Casey Williams show off their new strips. Photo / Getty Images

The match kit of New Zealand's most iconic sporting teams has had a makeover, with the All Blacks and the Silver Ferns yesterday revealing their new playing strips.

The All Blacks have reverted to the more traditional white alternative strip, signalling an end to the much-maligned grey jersey that has become synonymous with the failed 2007 World Cup campaign. Both the black and white strips feature a subtle fern pattern across the front of the jersey fabric, enhancing the New Zealand look and feel of the most famous rugby jersey in the world. The new adidas rugby jerseys will be the lightest ever, weighing just 195 grams.

For the Ferns, who announced a new partnership with adidas at the beginning of the year, the changes to their match kit are more striking.

The new dress features a stylised silver fern at the bottom, with the three stripes running down the back in metallic silver. The letters on the team bibs will also be in metallic silver.

The outfit gets a thumbs-up on two fronts. With a state-of-the-art merino/polyester mix which helps regulate core body temperature, it is extremely comfortable, says Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia. And the fashionistas of the team all agree the design is aesthetically pleasing.

"Not only is it lightweight and very wearable," said Tutaia. "It's also very chic, I think, and as a netball player you also want to look good out on court as well."