The safety video was inspired by and plays on elements from the film franchise “Men in Black“.
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“I’m expecting to get a right ribbing from my mates for appearing in a video promoting the All Blacks…”
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Israel Dagg are among the players featured in the video. They then engage in some questionable dance moves while fullback Israel Dagg rather impressively raps the in-flight briefing alonside Stan Walker, the 2009 victor of Australian Idol.
Air New Zealand head of global brand development Jodi Williams said the airline was “crazy about rugby”, making the All Blacks the flawless partner for its latest safety offering.
Other cameos include Wallabies great David Campese and former Argentinean captain Agustin Pichot.
Hansen said it was the last chance for the 32-year-old, who injured his ankle representing the New Zealand Barbarians last month, to force his way into the squad but talked up the 53-times capped winger who has been routinely hit by injuries.
Sony Pictures Entertainment executive vice president Emmanuelle Borde said: “The creative concept and the parallels drawn between the All Blacks and the Men in Black are really clever”.
Way back in 2001, when a 20-year-old McCaw was selected to debut after playing just 17 provincial games with Canterbury, former All Blacks openside Josh Kronfeld said that All Black jerseys were being handed out too easily.
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McCaw exudes gravitas, or to use a uniquely New Zealand aphorism, he has “mana”.
