The England rugby team will wear an all black strip when they kick off their World Cup campaign against Argentina in New Zealand. The decision to wear the new 'away' strip for their opening pool match in Dunedin on September 10 is certain to ruffle a few Kiwi feathers and could even spark a diplomatic row with the host nation before a ball has been kicked. Both the shirt and the shorts of the new strip are jet black with no other colour except for the Red Rose badge. All white on the night: Jonny Wilkinson wearing England's traditional kit It is officially England's 'away' strip but will be worn for their three World Cup warm-up matches in August and for their tournament opener. Sportsmail understands there are plans to wear the shirt for other pool games and beyond - though should England progress to the final they would probably meet the All Blacks and return to their traditional white. The players were not consulted about the colour of the new kit - which will be unveiled by Nike on August 1 - but are understood to be excited about wearing it even though they risk upsetting traditionalists as well as being perceived as ungracious guests. Iconic brand: New Zealand have made their all black kit world famous Even their training kit for the World Cup has a Kiwi twist, with a red rose crest on the chest surrounded by ancient Maori symbols and decorations. The kit will debut against Wales at Twickenham on August 6 before their return match in Cardiff the following weekend. It will also be worn in Dublin for their last warm-up game against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on August 27. England famously beat Australia in November in a dark grey shirt - officially 'anthracite'. Grey area: England beat Australia at Twickenham last year in a dull strip - officially 'anthracite' The RFU have spoken to their NZRU counterparts, who indicated they have no objection. It should be a big money-spinner for both the RFU and Nike, with strips to be sold for around £90. The Daily Mail's former rugby correspondent JA Buttery coined the phrase the All Blacks in an article in 1905. This will realy piss the kiwis off, If we cant beat em at rugby, maybe we can beat em at merchandising. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ru...-black-strip-rugby-World-Cup-New-Zealand.html
