Johnson issues an 'apology' to Kiwis

Wales assistant coach Scott Johnson issued an apology for his off-beat comment that New Zealand is a "poxy island in the Pacific" in the only way he knows how - front on. Literally.

Always the joker, Johnson's remark earlier in the week was made in jest and All Blacks coach Graham Henry had already dismissed Johnson as being "comical as usual".

But with the issue refusing to die just days out from Wales' clash with New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium, the laid-back Australian decided to get the issue off his chest at Wednesday's press conference.

"After a conversation that was overheard and was meant to be kept private, I do make an apology," Johnson started.

"I wasn't misquoted. I just got it slightly wrong. I actually said in the quote 'it's a poxy little island in the Pacific'. I do apologise to all New Zealanders when in fact, it's two islands!"

With that, as the New Zealand press corp fell about, Johnson removed his Wales tracksuit top to reveal a black T-shirt with "Kiwi target practice" and a bullseye emblazoned on the front.

On the back, never one to allow the chance of a dig to pass, Johnson's T-shirt added: "I love Kiwis - when they are in New Zealand".