All Blacks give blood for fans

Doug Howlett with the 'Bonded in Blood' poster. Picture / Jo Caird

The All Blacks have bled for the cause in an unusual promotion launched yesterday.

DNA from the players has been infused into a limited edition of this year's All Blacks poster showing the team performing the haka in a Fiordland setting.

A bond used in the printing process contains DNA from each player in the squad. The players gave the blood, which was then sterilised.

The poster will be available from adidas stockists only to those fans who buy an All Blacks jersey, says adidas marketing manager Craig Waugh.

"This year we wanted to do something different to reflect the depth of support All Blacks fans give to their team - hence the limited release of the 'Bonded by Blood' poster."

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said the limited-edition poster was unique. "It's a new thing. It's something that's pretty cool. The All Blacks team is all about combining everyone together and blood is one way to do it."

Blood Service chief executive officer Dr Graeme Benny said autoclaving treatment "effectively killed any potential viruses, as well as any other potentially infectious agents such as bacteria".