Rotorua buzzing for Lions

The bars were crammed a day out from the big game in Rotorua as the British and Irish Lions arrive in town to take on the Maori All Blacks.

Tonight’s game will be the crescendo of a week’s build- up for both players and punters.

For the Lions, it will be the toughest test they encounter before facing the All Blacks.

And the cultural challenge will be laid seven and a half hours before kick- off, with a world record haka attempt to be made at noon.

Tourists taking in the geothermal pools and making the most of the sunshine could be spotted all around town, while Rotorua’s pubs were already filling early yesterday afternoon.

Mayor Steve Chadwick said the excitement in town had “geared up” since the Maori All Blacks were welcomed earlier in the week. “We’re extremely proud to be hosting and especially of our local team members, Liam Messam and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, who both played their junior rugby here.

“The taiaha being presented to the winner of the Rotorua game, Te Roto, is a bit special too. The carvers added some Te Arawa flair the others don’t have.

“The haka attempt adds to this all being a great fit for Rotorua and we’re expecting it to be a fantastic weekend.”

The International Rugby Club will be trying to break the Guinness World Record for the biggest haka, a record which is currently held by the French with 4100 people participating.

The only Irish bar in Rotorua — Hennessy’s on Tutanekai Street — is expecting more than 1000 people to pack in for the game.

Owner Reg Hennessy told the Weekend Herald the partying kicked off on Thursday night.

A moment’s silence will be held before both the Black Ferns- England curtain raiser and Lions- Maori All Blacks games to remember those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.