The Nude Blacks came within a whisker of being upset by a spirited invitational Australian outfit in Dunedin on Saturday.
Leading the way for the visitors was the Gold Coast's Rob Wade, pictured centre, in front of more than 2000 vocal supporters at the North Ground. The Australians, who included some on-loan clothed New Zealand female rugby players, decided to Advance Australian Fair on a spirited haka.
Equisite handling by the New Zealand backs saw the home team gain early ascendancy, while the forwards, not be outdone, debuted some new moves, including the ''Tony Woodcock'' lineout call.
Their momentum, however, was disrupted by some dubious refereeing decisions, courtesy of commentator turned guest referee Scotty Stevenson.
Clad in a dressing gown borrowed from his hotel, he had no hesitation in dishing out ''brown'' cards to players.
The Nude Blacks scored five tries to the Australian Invitational four and nude rugby was declared the winner on the day.
