The team's decision to wear the new 'away' strip for their opening pool match 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'', Britain's Daily Mail newspaper said.
The Nike strip, to be officially unveiled on August 1, reportedly features a jet-black shirt and shorts, with no other colour except for the Red Rose badge.
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.
It could be worn for other pool games and beyond; though if England make the final they will probably return to their traditional white.
The English Rugby Football Union have spoken to their NZRU counterparts, who reportedly had no objection to the black strip.
