Gallant knights fight for NZ's honour

Gallant knights fight for NZ's honour

Next month there will be a battle involving more than 20 nations.

New Zealand is sending a brave team of gallant knights fighting for world glory, but they're in need of a hand.

At their fundraiser, they beat up a fridge in order to avoid injury.

It was just a demo of what the Kiwis will bring to the International Medieval Combat Federation World Champs.

James Bennett heads a medieval combat club. Five members will be part of an eight-strong team to do battle at a castle in Portugal.

Countries from all over the world are involved and last year, five Kiwis went.

There are different battle sizes and the rule is if you hit the ground, you're dead.

"It's like bullrush, with weapons," says Bennett. "It's awesome."

New Zealand didn't do so well last time, losing every fight.

But they have higher hopes this year, especially with Bennett as their captain.

"Basically I'm Richie McCaw," he says.

The men say medieval battle is not a game but a sport -- a really fun one.

"We've all tried other sports but ended up drifting to it," Bennett says.

"It's good stress relief. Everyone is super happy."

That, and they say they didn't look good in rugby shorts.

They train twice a week and say discipline is crucial.

"Your armour weighs a third of what you weigh," says Bennett.

"It's an insane amount to run around and hit people with."

But they say they've got the skills, though they have to face a different battle first -- getting their questionable luggage through Customs.

Newshub.