The British and Irish Lions finally took their first steps on New Zealand soil today – and skipper Sam Warburton and their immediate action got a lot of people talking.
In response to a feisty Maori challenge; the Lions sang Welsh hymn Calon Lan (a song associated with Welsh rugby for generations) in front of a packed audience at Auckland Airport shortly after 12.30pm.
An incredible welcome for @lionsofficial, as their focus now turns to the Provincial Barbarians match.
? = @GettySport #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/96yY6UkhKK
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) May 31, 2017
Once that was done – the team signed a few autographs with fans. Some names of note that stopped by to chat with fans included Johnny Sexton, Dan Bigger, Ben Te’o, and Alun Wyn Jones. The team then departed on the bus for their hotel in Auckland.
Warren Gatland & Sam Warburton Talk Early Tour Plans
The Lions coach, and New Zealand native, believes that the biggest goal during the early stages of the tour is to create harmony within the team. Another goal for Gatland is to engage with the local community and ‘win over the love’ of the New Zealand public.
“If we can win some hearts and minds off the field and play some good rugby then we’re going to end up with a cracking tour.”
Gatland is likely to select players that haven’t been involved in recent club rugby finals in the UK for the first hit out against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei on Saturday.
Lions captain Sam Warburton fronted the media at the team hotel on Wednesday night and talked about the benefits of such a busy schedule over the next six weeks.
“There has been a lot of talk and it really began from the start of the season. It’s nice to finally be here and its good that the games will be coming in thick and fast after Saturday.”
The Lions have already had a light training session in Auckland; working mostly on line outs in their first run.
Both squads for the clash between the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians and the Lions will be announced on Thursday.
“Main photo credit”
