All Blacks Hire Stuntmen To Perform Tackles For AIG TV Ad In Japan

The All Blacks "had stunt doubles for a new action-packed advert -- in case they got injured before the Lions tour," according to Russell Blackstock of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. The ad was made for sponsors AIG and features players including Jerome Kaino, Dane Coles and Anton Lienert-Brown "rampaging through city streets." The "hard-hitting action scenes were performed by professional stand-ins." NZ Rugby Head of Marketing, Brand & Commercial Development Todd Barberel said, "The All Blacks had a great time stopping traffic in Tokyo for the AIG #TackleTheRisk advertisement wearing a new jersey designed specifically for the campaign by adidas that resembles the jersey worn by our Sevens teams. A mix of All Blacks, stunt actors, and body doubles were used to create the high impact ad." Barberel said that the "distinctive new jersey" worn by the players in the ad was "specially made for the shoot." He added that it is "unlikely to be available to fans to buy" -- but a new All Blacks jersey "could be out in time for the Lions tour" (NZ HERALD, 4/4).