The robust new Motorola DEFY XT Smartphone was put through its paces today by members of an equally tough team - the All Blacks. Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Ben Franks and Piri Weepu were invited to test the features of this new Smartphone in the Telecom "Living-Proof Challenge" at Telecom Place.

The dust-proof, scratch and water-resistant Motorola DEFY XT is available exclusively on Telecom's Smartphone Network.

The players had to tackle an assault course, guided by MC Jaquie Brown. The course was designed to put the phones and players, through a series of scenarios and environments that New Zealanders and their mobiles face each day.

The challenges included pushing a precarious shopping trolley, pushing an office chair around a slalom, digging for the DEFY XT in a sandpit, packing a trailer with farm equipment, and sailing a remote-control speedboat around a paddling pool with the phone aboard, followed by a rugby ball "shootout".

The All Blacks ripped through the four challenges in teams of two and really put the DEFY XT to the test. Ben performed well on the "shootout". But Dan and Luke, from team two romped home to take first place overall.

At the end of the challenge, Piri (who was the official referee) made calls to the other All Black's DEFY XT phones to prove they were still in good working order.

"What better way to test this robust new Smartphone than by getting some of the country's toughest rugby players to challenge it, and themselves, in a series of everyday environments," says Telecom's Chief Marketing Officer, Jason Paris.

"As the All Blacks demonstrated today, the Motorola DEFY XT is ideal for Kiwis from all walks of life but particularly busy outdoor workers like tradespeople, landscape gardeners and farmers.

"We're excited to exclusively provide customers with a device that allows them to be that little bit more relaxed about when handling it and allows them to stay connected through whatever everyday mishaps come their way. We've thoroughly enjoyed hosting the All Blacks today bringing the mobile's attributes to life. It was great to see them having such a good time and that both the phone and players survived!"

The Motorola DEFY XT is Motorola's most durable Android-powered Smartphone. The news should be music to the ears of active Kiwis after research* commissioned by Motorola revealed that more than half of Smartphone users (52%) have experienced scratched screens or surfaces and damage due to everyday wear and tear within the first three to six months of purchase.

As this Smartphone is available exclusively on Telecom's Smartphone NetworkTM, customers who opt for this robust device will also enjoy world-class coverage, speed and reliability on the 100% 3G network.

RRP$599.

For more information visit www.telecom.co.nz or Gen-i clients should speak to their client manager.