Jonah Lomu, the Rugby World Cup's record try scorer, has accused England of showing a lack of respect to New Zealand by deciding to wear an all black change kit at this autumn's tournament.

England will use the controversial strip during their opening game against Argentina on 10 September, mimicking the host nation's traditional all black colours.

The former All Blacks wing said: "In some ways you are just disrespecting the legacy of past players. The All Blacks are synonymous with being in all black, and England the white shirt they have. I will find it difficult to watch England in a different shirt."

The 36-year-old, who scored 37 tries in 63 appearances for New Zealand, added: "I will find it pretty weird to look across the paddock and see them run out not wearing that famous white uniform."

While England will revert to their usual white colours for their remaining group games against Georgia, Romania and Scotland, Martin Johnson's side could sport the all black kit later in the tournament.

Sean Fitzpatrick, the former New Zealand hooker who won the tournament when it was staged previously in his country in 1987, warned England they should not lose focus on what is important. He said: "Hopefully the marketing side doesn't take over from the rugby side. That's probably where England need to be careful that players don't lose their focus."

But Lawrence Dallaglio, who won the 2003 World Cup with England, defended the choice of colour: "I'm pretty sure I've seen New Zealand in a white shirt."

Despite being continually the favourites for the tournament New Zealand have not won the World Cup since 1987 yet Lomu believes they are again the nation to beat. "It is theirs to lose," he said. "It is on their home ground, they know the grounds better than any other team, they will have their fans there and the support around them from their own families. That is a huge advantage but at the same time, the players still have to do their job and do it well."