British Lions on song in Auckland
THE British and Irish Lions arrived in New Zealand yesterday predicting a cracking series against the world champion All Blacks and hoping to avoid the controversies of their disastrous last tour 12 years ago.
Tattooed Maori warriors performed a haka to greet the composite team of elite players from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, marking the start of the nearly sixweek tour.
The players then surprised their hosts with a stirring rendition of the Welsh hymn Calon Lan , in a response that won over the New Zealand public and media.
Coach Warren Gatland said it was a sign of respect and showed the Lions – who have won only one test series against the All Blacks in more than a century – were determined not to repeat the mistakes of their last visit in 2005.
That tour ended in acrimony and a 3-0 “Blackwash” for the hosts as the Lions succumbed to in-fighting, intense pressure and injuries.
New Zealander Gatland, who earned 17 All Blacks caps from 1988 to ’91, said: “We’re well aware that there’s a bit of bridge-building to do from 2005.
“If we can win some hearts and minds off the field and play some good rugby, hopefully we’re going to end up with a cracking tour.”
Gatland, who has described the New Zealand tour as the ultimate challenge, said he wanted to avoid off-field distractions.
The Lions face a gruelling 10match schedule including three tests and seven tour matches against top New Zealand teams.
The Lions face an All Blacks team who are back-to-back world champions and have held the international top spot since 2009.