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Wellington Lions fans are hoping for a roar rather then a meow this weekend as their side takes on Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup final.
Wellington Supporters club president Graham McGuire said he was used to the ups and downs of following the team but if
they fire this weekend, Auckland will be in for a tough game.
"Wellington is Auckland's bogey team just like Canterbury is ours.
"Auckland is a very good team but we might beat them this year. Having said that, I thought the All Blacks would win the World Cup," McGuire said.
He said the game would be even if Wellington played their All Blacks but with players like Neemia Tialata on the bench it could be a bit one-sided.
"We need Jerry Collins in there. Jerry is the best man but I'm not the coach. I wonder which team will come out on the day. If they come out firing then watch out," he said.
Wellington was unpredictable but that was part of the team and couldn't be changed, McGuire said.
Former Wellington and All Black wing Bernie Fraser agreed and said if the team hit their straps they could beat anyone on the day.
But the Lions could struggle in the set pieces without their All Blacks, he said.
The team's strength was in in their backs with stars like Ma'a Nonu, Fraser said.
"Ma'a Nonu has got the ability to do anything. When he's on, he's on," Fraser said.
He said it was a shame some of the big guns would be sitting in the grand stand but remained confident the team could win.
"They've got the ability to score tries out wide, they've got the ability to score from anywhere on the park," Fraser said.
Stu Wilson, who played with Fraser for Wellington and the All Blacks said Wellington have the ability to cause Auckland problems.
"If they can play a full 80 minutes, they have got a good chance," Wilson said.
He said the team took advantages of mistakes but would have to "go up the ladder again" against an Auckland side that has played some clinical rugby.
"Auckland have two styles of game. They can play a very structured game of rugby in the wet and they put Hawkes Bay to the sword last weekend. And during the year we've seen them start with an all out attack which is breath taking," Wilson said.
It would be a great final as long as Wellington turn up on the day, he said.
"The fans don't mind the ups and downs. They know that when they turn up, they will see something incredibly hot or incredibly cold," Wilson said.
He said earlier in the competition the Lions put 40 points on Otago and then failed to fire a shot against Hawkes Bay.
Radio Sport broadcaster, Wellington City councillor and passionate Wellington rugby fan "Mystery" John Morrison said the game would be "like taking candy from a baby".
He said the Auckland players might be sporting new haircuts but the win would be "dead easy".
Morrison said the fans go from the depth of despair to wild ecstasy during the season as the Lions find their form but he's confident Wellington will win.
"I love the old banter and having a crack at the Aucks," Morrison said.
He said the side has been the bridesmaid of the tournament in the past and the Lions would need a good game.
"I'm looking forward to it because we had a miserable time of it during the World Cup," Morrison said.
