First picture of new All Blacks jersey for Lions Series shows bold new crest change

We know what the British & Irish Lions will be sporting for the Test Series in New Zealand but the hosts' gear has been a closely guarded secret.

We don't expect the All Blacks to do anything too outlandish with their 2017 Test jersey but there is definitely scope for a surprise. After all, they can use the odd splash of white... [caption id="attachment_125249" align="aligncenter" width="647"] All Blacks World Cup jerseys (from left to right) in 1995, 1999 and 2011.[/caption] Kit manufacturers adidas went with the white collar at the start of the decade but have kept the kit as black as possible in recent years. After all, there is now a sponsor slap-bang in the middle of the jersey. Adidas and sponsors AIG remain in place for the 2017 Lions Series but there will be a few subtle changes introduced from the 2016 vintage [below]. [caption id="attachment_125250" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Kieran Reid leads the Haka prior to kickoff between Ireland and New Zealand at Soldier Field.[/caption] Rugby fans have been given a tantalising taste of the new jersey and there is a new crest. The sponsors logo also appears to be a less vibrant shade of white. The crest is the big news, however, and there is a massive nod to the team's long history with the Lions. Although the All Blacks played their first official Test match in 1903, the crest features the years 1904 and 2017. The first date refers to the first official Lions Tour to New Zealand in 1904. The Lions won a three-Test series against Australia but lost their only Test outing against New Zealand 9-3 in Wellington. https://twitter.com/adidasNZ/status/868710465538465792 We should get a full gawk at the All Blacks' specially designed Lions Series gear in the coming days but, for now, this is good enough.