'Sponsored' streak rings wrong tone

As publicity stunts go, the idea of a pitch invasion by two streakers – their modesty protected by the logo of a mobile phone company – may not seem so outlandish.

But Vodafone was forced to apologise yesterday after the incident at Sydney's Olympic stadium which may have cost New Zealand victory over their arch-rivals Australia in arguably the most important fixture in the rugby union calendar.

The two men appeared as New Zealand's fly-half, Andrew Mehrtens, was preparing for a crucial penalty kick. He missed and the All Blacks lost 16-14.

It later transpired that the incident may have been condoned by the head of Vodafone's Australian arm, Grahame Maher. He admitted a man he knew only as Brett had approached him saying he might pull an illegal stunt at the match which would give Vodafone publicity. Mr Maher said he did not know what action the man was planning but responded positively.

The Australian Rugby Union, which is sponsored by Vodafone, has condemned the stunt.