Blues coach Tana Umaga backs his choice of first five in Stephen Perofeta and batas away questions on the 2005 tour

The best of the action from Herald photographers Brett Phibbs and Greg Bowker

British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton, manager John Spencer and fan Edward Howat discuss the team's visit to Waitangi.

The Lions squad and their fans react to today's tragic events in London

The Roar: News video wrap from yesterday's Lions vs Barbarians clash

The best photos from last night's game, from Herald photographers Brett Phibbs and Greg Bowker

Herald rugby journalists Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry break down last night's clash between the touring Lions and the NZ Provincial Barbarians

Coach Clayton McMillan and Captain Sam Anderson-Heather comment on the match against the 2017 British and Irish Lions at Toll Stadium, Whangarei

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland speaks after their narrow victory over the Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei

It has been pouring down in Whangarei, with the forecast predicting more wet weather. However, this has not dampened the eager and cheerful mood of fans.

Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry look forward to the Lions v Barbarians at Whangarei

Barbars captain Sam Anderson-Heather is excited to see all the talent come together for the opening game of the tour

Alun Wyn Jones talks with media ahead of tomorrow's game against the New Zealand Barbarians.

Source: Facebook / All Blacks

Controversy is no stranger to tours of New Zealand by the British & Irish Lions. None are arguably as big as the spiteful fall-out from the Brian O’Driscoll ‘shoulder-gate' affair.

He found it on the pitch at Eden Park during the third test against the Lions in 1993 and still has it today

Barbarians coach Clayton McMillan talks about the first match-up against the Lions in Whangarei on Saturday

Lions coach Warren Gatland is excited about potential combinations and aims not to repeat the mistakes of Graham Henry in 2001

The British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland talks after they arrived at Auckland International Airport today.

The All Blacks reveal their new jersey in Auckland this morning

When the British & Irish Lions arrived in New Zealand in 1993 few probably realised this was going to be their final tour under rugby’s amateur era.

Dave Rennie is unhappy about a late hit on Damian McKenzie during the Blues match last Friday

Awanui Rugby president Mate Radich is concerned for the future of rural NZ rugby

The Changing face of New Zealand rugby

After impressive showings during the 1971 and 1977 tours of New Zealand, the 1983 British & Irish Lions crashed and burned on our shores in 1983.

The first and fourth tests are amongst defeats that Lions fans still look back on in frustration that they were unable to win.

After a rugby rivalry dating back 83 years, 1971 saw the Lions finally taste a test series victory on our shores.

Leading rugby historian Clive Akers doesn’t mince his words when it comes to rating the 1966 Lions which toured New Zealand.

It is not often a home crowd turns on the All Blacks. But that is just what happened during the 1959 test series against the Lions.

When the 1950 rugby season dawned, All Black fans were desperate for success. Just 12 months earlier and the side had plunged into arguably their worst-ever state on the field – losing a staggering six test matches in a row.