Lions welcomed in Rotorua

The Lions faced up to their first challenge in the same way they are likely to face off against the All Blacks, somewhat defiantly.

At the official welcome at Rotorua's Te Papaiouru Marae, the team were welcomed by a powhiri - and were challenged by a Maori warrior with full moko at the marae entrance.

Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll led the pack, and while tour manager Bill Beaumont's facial expression cracked a bit, O'Driscoll remained composed, staring into his opponent's eye during the wero (challenge).

He also outdid Beaumont when it came to pronouncing "tena koutou" during speeches in the meeting house, where the rest of the powhiri was held due to pouring rain.

Beaumont managed a version that sounded like "tena cuckoo". O'Driscoll was a little closer with "tena kato".

But both earned praise from the Arawa iwi for their efforts.

"I know New Zealanders who speak like that," said one kaumatua.

The Lions also sang a waiata, but didn't have quite the oomph of Sir Howard Morrison, who sang How Great Thou Art in Maori.

The rousing reception began at Rotorua Airport, where 700 people welcomed the team.

First into the newly refurbished terminal was O'Driscoll, who seemed overwhelmed by the reception.

"It's fantastic, fantastic. Very unexpected," he told the Herald, before making his way along lines of fans assembled behind metal barriers who were desperate to get his autograph.

But Rotorua locals Sonny and Margaret Walker wanted to see the team for different reasons.

Ardent All Blacks fans, they were there to size up the opposition after receiving tickets to Saturday's game against Bay of Plenty as a 46th wedding anniversary present from their children.