England are willing to risk the wrath of the World Cup hosts New Zealand by wearing an all-black kit for their opening match, it has been reported.
England usually play in white, but their apparel sponsor, Nike, will unveil a new away kit on August 1, and the Daily Mail reports both the shirt and the shorts are jet black with no other colour except for the Red Rose badge.
It is officially England's change strip but the paper claims it will be worn for their three World Cup warm-up matches in August and for their opening pool match against Argentina in Dunedin on September 10, and could also be used later in the tournament.
The decision to copy New Zealand's All Black jersey has triggered a furious response from the hosts, including the prime minister, John Key.
The English Rugby Football Union said the side will wear white if they play New Zealand in the tournament.
