Crusaders and New Zealand lock Ali Williams lived up to his comical reputation by wearing a Spiderman outfit to training today ahead of his Super 14 rugby grudge match against the Blues.
After completing training, the 46-test All Black stunned journalists gathered for questions when he emerged in the superhero's costume.
Williams answered a handful of questions before scampering back inside the training sheds, prompted by fellow-lock Ross Filipo who was clad in the uniform of another comic book hero, the Phantom.
A Crusaders spokesman said Williams' antics were a method to alleviate the pressure in a big week.
Williams ended six seasons with the Blues in controversial fashion last year, walking away from the franchise following a rift with coach David Nucifora.
Williams was sent home from South Africa ahead of the Blues' semifinal as punishment for off-field misdemeanours.