Lions fans let loose in Rotorua after an emphatic victory over the Māori All Blacks.
Herald reporter Heath Moore is spending five weeks in a Maui campervan following the Lions fans.
Recycling bins were full to the brim. Empty Steinlager, Tuatara and Lion Red bottles were left to collect dew as the night wore on. The aftermath of the second test was apparent in the campsites. Lions fans had drunk the town dry.
They sung their hearts out through into the wee smalls after a famous victory over the All Blacks. The next morning some fans emerged from their campervans with a wry smile and alcohol-infused breath. They were ecstatic, joyous, and humble.
But when it came to describing the All Blacks fans I was greeted with a look of uneasiness.
Throughout the tour we've heard how Kiwis have opened their hearts and homes to our travelling rivals.
There is no denying our generosity. Kiwis are known for opening our hearts to the world. However when it comes to rugby we become a different beast. We're sore losers. Some might say we're nasty.
When describing All Blacks supporters one Lions fan said: "They're friendly, welcoming, and enticing. They make you feel at home. That's until they lose a rugby match. Then the claws come out. They can't handle seeing you drinking in their pubs, singing our songs and generally have an amazing time. The mood changed."
It's a concept echoed by former Lions lock Ben Kay, who said "winning respect as a visiting team is virtually impossible".
After living in the Lions' den for five weeks I feel somewhat disillusioned with how New Zealanders support our sporting sides. When the All Blacks drop a game it feels as if the country sweeps into a frenzy of panic. Fans call for a raft of personal changes and demand our sides wipe the floor of any opposition who step in our way. We get personal and ugly.
Lions fans have praised our hospitality but some believe when it comes to rugby many New Zealand fans are sore losers. Photo / Getty
I enjoy the fact Kiwis don't accept mediocrity on the field but when it comes to loyalty we swiftly jump off the bandwagon at any sign of failure. Look no further than the Blues and Warriors. When the All Blacks lost the second test there were sour faces among the Kiwi fans. The friendly banter that had been so prevalent during the series swiftly disappeared.
In contrast Lions fans support their team like it's their last day on earth. After a less than convincing tour down under you'd forgive their fans for calling it a day. But they haven't. What has remained consistent is their passion and pride, their commitment and patriotism. But equally, the joyous faces and quirky chants have remained on show even after losses to the Blues, Highlanders and All Blacks.
As a sporting public we can learn a lot off our northern brothers.
Lions fans get vocal as they snatch victory off the All Blacks in the second test. Photo / Getty
What happened to our stadiums being a fortress? We've let Lions fans turn our home turf into their own.
We are the best team in the world, but why are we so afraid to sing from the rooftops and show our emotion for our All Blacks? It's time to drop the tall poppy syndrome mentality and embrace what Northern Hemisphere culture brings to the game - energy, atmosphere and enjoyment.
Come Saturday the All Blacks may very well teach the Lions and the Northern Hemisphere a lesson on how to play rugby.
But it is us, New Zealand sporting fans, who need to take a lesson out of the Red Army's book.
• Heath Moore travelled in a campervan provided by Maui, who had no control over editorial coverage.
