New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu has taken aim at England’s decision to wear an all-black strip at the World Cup should their standard white strip clash with their oppponents’.
England’s new change strip – the same colour as New Zealand’s 127-year-old All Black jersey – will be worn in the game against Argentina on September 10.
“For me, in some ways you are just disrespecting the legacy of past players,” Lomu told BBC Sport.
“The All Blacks are synonymous with being in all black, and England the white shirt they have.”
Martin Johnson’s side will revert to white for their other group games against Georgia, Romania and Scotland.
But should there be a further clash in later rounds, the black kit could return.
Hosts New Zealand have said they have no qualms with England wearing it, but Lomu is less comfortable.
“I will find it difficult to watch England in a different shirt,” said Lomu, who scored 37 tries in 63 appearances for the All Blacks before retiring in 2007.
“I am one of those people who was brought up on the history of rugby, watching the great players of the past who have worn the England shirt and also the All Blacks.
“I will find it pretty weird to look across the paddock and see them run out not wearing that famous white uniform.”