The real fashion crime: ABs boots

Stop tinkering with the All Blacks jersey and change those hideous coloured boots. Sadly, it’s another season, another change for the once sacred jersey with the designers themselves appearing to be caught in the confusion by producing a collar that is half white and half black.

It’s change for change’s sake, or make that change for money’s sake with the timing, on the eve of a ‘‘nothing’’ test against Japan, reeking of commercialism and a chance to grab a share of the lucrative Asian market ahead of next year’s World Cup there. But the real fashion crime with the All Blacks lies with what they are wearing on their feet courtesy of the same sponsor.

When you look below the knee, these aren’t All Blacks, these are licorice all sorts!

Black socks blend into a mish-mash of fluorescent greens, blues and yellows.

When they were playing in Yokohama last weekend against Australia, most of the green and yellow boots in the New Zealand backline looked like they were better suited to the Wallabies colours.

What’s wrong with black boots? What’s wrong with living by their name?

Of course there are even greater riches to be gained in the boots market. Little Johnny and Jilly can’t run around for their Saturday morning teams in replica All Blacks jersey but they do need something on their feet and what Beaudy wears has an impact.

The great Richie McCaw got it right when in the latter days of his remarkable captaincy run he demanded his pack, at least, wear black boots. There’s a sinister edge to a total black outfit, a menacing look the All Blacks would be better to embrace with their unique uniform that stands out by its sheer simplicity.

Complicating it with a mirage of bright colours detracts from its real beauty.

The All Blacks are adidas’ muse but they need to be the master not the servant.

Yes, there’s a need for New Zealand Rugby to get every cent they can to retain their top players. But right now it looks like they are selling their soul to achieve that.

Earlier this week former England and British & Irish Lions prop Joe Marler revealed he liked to refer to Steve Hansen’s team as New Zealand rather than the All Blacks, a pyschological ploy used by other players and teams.

But he justified that by noting: ‘‘Their kit isn’t even fully black.’’

His argument just got stronger.