Lions keep their claws hidden

Captain Brian O'Driscoll meets Finnian Davis of Kumeu Rugby at North Harbour Stadium yesterday. Picture / Brett Phibbs

The Lions came over all cuddly yesterday, a long way from the team who will have to bare their teeth in four days' time.

More than 5000 people turned out to their first public training session at North Harbour Stadium, among them Finnian Davis, 4, of Kumeu Rugby, dressed in his lion suit.

In almost military precision, the players, in white training strip, came out of the tunnel at exactly the advertised time - 10.45am.

There was nothing for any All Black spies trying to glean match tactics or for Bay of Plenty supporters to study before the first game of the tour, in Rotorua on Saturday.

Providing commentary was former All Black Murray Mexted, who said it was "mind-blowing" the Lions needed so many coaches.

Coach Sir Clive Woodward is overseeing two separate coaching teams - one for the weekend matches and one for the midweek, and he also has specialist coaches at his disposal.

Woodward retorted that the All Blacks probably had the same number if all those associated with the test build-up were counted. What the coaches, and everyone else in the party, took back with them would benefit British and Irish rugby.

The charm offensive continued with 20 junior players invited to join the training session. And No 8 Lawrence Dallaglio, who captained the England side whipped by the All Blacks in two tests, told reporters: "On behalf of the British and Irish Lions, I just want to say what a pleasure it is for us to be here. The turnout has been fantastic today. It bodes well for the rest of the tour."

Their overseas fans are also beginning to arrive. Even while the Barmy Army's plans for an Auckland watering hole at the Viaduct Harbour are up in the air, they announced a list of seven others throughout the country.

They are in Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

First to take on the Lions is Bay of Plenty at Rotorua's International Stadium.