British red army ready to swarm Auckland

AUCKLAND: A swarming red army of up to 30,000 British and Irish Lions fans are ready to party in New Zealand as the Test series against the world champion All Blacks looms.

Supporters have travelled halfway around the globe to see their team’s once-every-12years quest for rugby’s Holy Grail, beating New Zealand in their own backyard.

Convoys of campervans have descended on Auckland ahead of the opening Test and hotels in New Zealand’s largest city are at capacity for the Eden Park fixture

“This is huge for us,” said Charmaine Ngarimu, head of major events for Auckland Council’s tourism body ATEED which has converted the city’s two racecourses into temporary parking to cope with the influx of motor homes.

“We’re expecting about 900 campervans and we’re ready to host them.”

First priority for most Lions fans after securing accommodation is finding a welcoming watering hole and brothers Lee and Stephen Whitehead said Auckland’s pubs could expect to do brisk business.

“We have a saying, win or lose, have a booze,” Lee told AFP as he tucked into an early morning pint over breakfast at a waterfront bar.

“You’ll see red everywhere, every pub you go in.”

The pair, originally from Manchester, now live in Auckland and were so determined to see every Test that they signed up with multiple booking agencies in Britain and New Zealand to guarantee they got in-demand tickets.

As a result, they will watch tomorrow’s opening Test in the middle of a 1,000-strong group of All Blacks supporters after booking their package through a New Zealand outfit.

Stephen said he had no qualms about being surrounded by rival fans, describing All Blacks-Lions matches as “the greatest atmosphere.”

“We’ve never had any trouble,” he said. “The Kiwis are great, they have their banter and give us heaps, but we give it right back.

“There’s no animosity, no violence. It’s a pat on the back and well done when they win.”

The friendly divide between fans even cuts across family ties for some, such as twins Dennis and Brian Whitaker, who are attending all 10 matches on the tour.

Brian moved to New Zealand 40 years ago and barracks for the All Blacks while British-based Dennis remains loyal to the Lions. AFP

There’s no animosity, no violence. It’s a pat on the back and well done when they win.

STEPHEN WHITEHEAD