All Blacks consider red fern for Christchurch

[TRF_Cymro]

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) is considering a plan to turn red the famous silver fern on the All Blacks' uniform as a Rugby World Cup tribute to the Christchurch earthquake victims.

Christchurch has been stripped of its seven World Cup fixtures due to damage the city sustained in the devastating February earthquake, a further blow to its rugby-loving inhabitants.

It is considered a tragedy in itself that the city will not be a part of New Zealand's party but the All Blacks could show that Canterbury is still close to their hearts by wearing an altered kit featuring the region's traditional colour.

The idea has received mixed responses among the New Zealand rugby community, as while no one would question the need to recognise Christchurch, a change to the iconic kit would be a move away from tradition and history.

Speaking in London ahead of their relocated Super Rugby clash with the Sharks, Crusaders Keiran Read and Dan Carter were reluctant to back the ploy but both commited to whatever the NZRU decided. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, a former All Blacks skipper, suggested a red and black armband might be a good compromise.

All Blacks manager Darren Shand said in the New Zealand Herald: "The team, together with the NZRU, will look to pay tribute to those who lost their lives as well as the wider Christchurch community in the most appropriate way."

But New Zealand Prime Minister John Key supported the idea and Rugby World Cup minister Murray McCully said it was one of a number of possible tributes which could also incorporate tsunami-hit Japan. McCully said the final decision rests with the NZRU.

http://www.espnscrum.com/newzealand/rugby/story/136905.html​

 

[Teh Mite]

Biggest non-story of the day. Changing the colour of the kit won't make the Earthquake not happen nor will it repair the damage caused in time.

Sometimes issues are best left alone. This is one of those times.

 

[smartcooky]

Biggest non-story of the day. Changing the colour of the kit won't make the Earthquake not happen nor will it repair the damage caused in time.

Sometimes issues are best left alone. This is one of those times.

I agree. This story has been floating around for a couple of days.


It won't happen.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

What's next? Are we playing on red grass at the World Cup?

 

[Draggs]

What's next? Are we playing on red grass at the World Cup?

Only if Bakkies is still playing come September.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Only if Bakkies is still playing come September.

Weheyyyyy :lol:


The only way this would be worth it would be if Adidas were to gave 100% of the takings from selling the shirts to the Christchurch disaster fund thing

 

[TrueSlawter]

If they were gonna do it just change the Addidas Logo red at most as tbh they should leave the logo alone..

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Well, if you have to think of something, just play in a red shirt.

 

[Shaggy]

No one wants it to happen so it won't - public opinion is against it, so watch the politicians do a back flip ... if anything, they might put something for Canterbury on the sleeve

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Well, if you have to think of something, just play in a red shirt.

Could change their "change" shirt to red from white/grey/whatever it is atm

 

[Teh Mite]

Why not go the whole hog and play in ******* Crusaders shirts...

 

[Draggs]

Well, if you have to think of something, just play in a red shirt.

We'll be doing our part, no doubt.

 

[Sneaki]

I'm sure they can just wear a red/black armbands or something if they want to pay their respects. You can't turn a national icon (silver fern) red just like that at one of the biggest sports events on the planet. I think they asked a couple of AB's about it and neither DC or Read seemed that keen on it.

 

[nickdnz]

It is stupid. I'm genuinly sorry that Christchurch won't be able to hoast Rubgy World Cup matches, but while people are rebuilding their homes, looking for more jobs and getting over the loss of their loved ones, a token red fern replacing an iconic silver one is not going to lift spirits.

I wish people would just leave the jersey alone. It doesn't need yearly improvements, or constant design updates. If the players want to show support for Christchurch, they are welcome to do it in any other way they want, but in a way that doesn't change an icon.

 

[dullonien]

Well, if you have to think of something, just play in a red shirt.

Yes, then us Welsh supporters could squint slightly and imagine we're watching Wales playing well for once .

 

[dan the man]

It's really sad what happened in Christchurch, but i think that changing the silver(white) fern into a red fern is stupid...
Sure one of the matches could be played in memoriam of those lost in the quake, with red armbands or a red crossed stitched into the sleeve or collar, a moment of silence and more importantly a portion of ticket sales going to a relief fund for Christchurch.