British & Irish Lions on song ahead of ‘cracking’ All Blacks tests
Warren Gatland’s side arrive in Auckland ahead of gruelling 10-match schedule that includes three tests and seven tour matches
The British & Irish Lions arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday predicting a “cracking” series against the world champion All Blacks and hoping to avoid the controversies that marred their disastrous last tour 12 years ago.
Tattooed Maori warriors performed a haka to greet the composite team of elite players from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, marking the start of the nearly six-week tour.
The players then surprised their hosts by performing a stirring rendition of the Welsh hymn “Calon Lan”, in a response that won over the New Zealand public and media.
Coach Warren Gatland said it was a sign of respect and showed the Lions, who have won only one test series against the All Blacks in more than a century, were determined not to repeat the mistakes of their last visit in 2005.
That tour ended in acrimony and a 3-0 “Blackwash” for the hosts as the Lions succumbed to in-fighting, intense pressure and a string of high-profile injuries.
What a fabulous welcome as we set foot on New Zealand soil for the first time ahead of #LionsNZ2017 #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/JNpLBLk0g4— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) May 31, 2017
“We’re well aware that there’s a bit of bridge-building to do from 2005,” said Gatland, who is a New Zealander himself and earned 17 All Blacks caps from 1988 to 1991.