Rugby fans brave blustery weather to enjoy pre-game atmosphere

This group of Lions fans were braving the cold weather in their rugby shorts. From left they are Lionel the lion, Colin Nevett, Simon Bush, and Todd Stock. Photo/Melissa Nightingale

Waves of red are spreading through Wellington today as fans gather for the Lions vs All Blacks game tonight.

Many are pushing through the blustery wind and showers to explore the city, some wrapped up in jackets and others braving the breeze in kilts or rugby shorts.

A group of All Blacks supporters were this afternoon staying out of the rain in Jake the Buss, a converted school bus that has travelled the full length of State Highway 1 in the name of rugby.

"Jake is an entity, not a bus," said Gordy Jujnovich.

Jake the Buss houses a group of keen tourers: Simon Johnston (left), Ben Clarke, Gordy Jujnovich, Evan Marsh, Rowann Marsh and Danni King. Photo/Melissa Nightingale

Jake, who must be referred to as "he", has housed a growing group of fans as the tour has gone on. At the moment there are about six people staying in him, including newlyweds Evan and Rowann Marsh.

They have been married for only a few weeks, and it is Rowann's first tour.

"I just follow along really," she said, adding she enjoys "the atmosphere, the boys, the laughs".

On game days, the group drive Jake down the main street of each city playing the national anthem on speakers.

"It gets nothing but love everywhere," said mate Danni King.

The inside of Jake the Buss has been decked out so the group can stay in the bus for the tour. Ben Clarke (left), Simon Johnston, Danni King, Evan Marsh, Rowann Marsh and Gordy Jujnovich.

He and Evan Marsh were driving in Wellsford in 2010 when they saw the bus for sale. Four of the group bought the bus and transformed it into Jake.

Jake normally resides in Warkworth but has been brought out for the big tour. He has been decked out with mattresses, a chilly bin, speakers, and even a men's only "toilet".

Jujnovich said the Lions supporters have been "top class".

Highlights of their trip included an army base tour at Linton, New Zealand winning the first test, and see Mt Taranaki on a clear day.

Lions fans Simon Bush, Colin Nevett and Todd Stock were out at the waterfront this afternoon in their rugby shorts, seemingly oblivious to the rain and wind.

Nevett said the shorts gave them the opportunity to "show off" their legs.

Cornwall man Ben Harvey-Lovell has lived in New Zealand for 15 years, but supports almost any team that goes against the All Blacks. Photo/Melissa Nightingale

With the group was stuffed lion, Lionel, who has been on six tours so far, and cat handbag Mimi.

They had enjoyed exploring Rotorua and taking a trip on the luge.

Bush believed the game tonight would be "very close".

Meanwhile, Howard Pierce and Chris Cure e Couto were astounded by the scenery of New Zealand.

Pierce comes from Wellington, Somerset, but this is the first time he and Cure e Couto have set foot in New Zealand.

The pair had travelled the country by bus, rather than plane, and were "so pleased" they had.

"The scenery, oh, is absolutely incredible," Cure e Couto said.

"It's just he spectacular scenery and the diversity of it."

Howard Pierce and Chris Cure e Couto have been doing the tour by bus so they can enjoy New Zealand's scenery. Photo/Melissa Nightingale

Cure e Couto has done the tour in crutches, as she severed a tendon in her knee while skiing, and said the Kiwi hospitality has been wonderful.

People have jumped to help her, she said.

Pierce said the "friendliness" of New Zealanders was "absolutely superb".

Despite the injured leg, the couple are heading down to Queenstown for four days and Cure e Couto hopes to talk someone into letting her ski for even half a metre, just so she can say she did it.

Of the game tonight, the pair said: "we believe."

"We've got to win today because if we don't it will be an anti-climax next week," Cure e Couto said.

Ben Harvey-Lovell was wrapped in a flag and cape in his support of the Lions.

Originally from Cornwall, Harvey-Lovell has lived in New Zealand for the past 15 years, but said he supports any team that goes against the All Blacks.

Having so many Lions supporters around him has been a highlight.

"We were in the Welsh Dragon last night, came across a touring group of about 40 Welsh guys . . . it feels like being at home."