Rugby-England's all black plans irk New Zealanders

WELLINGTON, July 15 (Reuters) - England's plans to wear a jet-black strip at this year's Rugby World Cup has created quite a stir in host country New Zealand, where one commentator called it a mockery of traditions and a ploy to push shirt sales.

According to media reports, England will shun their predominantly white strip and play in similar colours used for 127 years by the All Blacks in their first World Cup match against Argentina in Dunedin on Sept. 10.

"Of all the colours in the rainbow, why would they choose the colour of the host nation?" commentator Keith Quinn was quoted as saying in Friday's Dominion Post newspaper.

"They are thumbing their noses at a New Zealand tradition. It's bizarre."

Quinn said the decision could drive England jersey sales but would make them unpopular among All Blacks fans.

"I don't think they (fans) will throw things, but they will be scornful of England coming into our territory wearing black."