Lions fans stoop to Baabaas jibe

The Barmy Army have come up with another low blow aimed at the soft underbelly of New Zealand rugby.

After scalping tickets from less than patriotic local fans, the army - usually English fans but expanded to include Irishmen, Welshmen and Scots for next month's British Lions tour - has composed a derogatory song about the All Blacks.

Sung to the tune of Lonnie Donegan's My Old Man's a Dustman, the lyrics poke fun at the team's past World Cup performances, alleged local habits and general sporting ability.

One of the stanzas goes as follows:

You failed in the Tri Nations,
In the World Cup went to sleep,
The All Blacks all should stay at home,
And stick to shagging sheep.

More than 20,000 red-shirted Lions fans will arrive large, loud and ready to party before the team's June 4 kickoff against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua.

The Barmy Army project manager in New Zealand, Freddie Parker, said excitement was building and fans would be itching to follow the tour, now less than a month away.

"We're in the home of rugby, allegedly, watching the mighty - or unmighty - All Blacks."

* What do you think All Black supporters should sing in reply? Email the New Zealand Herald newsdesk at the link below.