The British and Irish Lions went on the charm offensive today in Auckland, as upwards of 6,000 spectators watched Sir Clive Woodward’s squad put through their paces at an open training session.
The British and Irish Lions went on the charm offensive today in Auckland, as upwards of 6,000 spectators watched Sir Clive Woodward’s squad put through their paces at an open training session.
The North Harbour stadium may have been shadowed by some ominous rain clouds, but it was sunshine all the way at pitchside as 40 white-shirted Lions emerged from the tunnel to a hearty welcome at 10.45am local time.
Woodward’s charges went through their warm-ups, before the forwards and backs split up and went through basic routines, such as lineouts and kicking practice.
A five-minute video introducing each of the Lions squad members on the stadium’s big screen, had preceded their arrival.
For the closing stages of the 45 minute-long session, 20 red-clad pupils from seven North Shore schools joined in with the Lions in some tackle bag and passing drills.
Ireland lock Malcolm O’Kelly, still recovering from an abdominal strain, sat out the session but will play a part in today’s second private session.
As the Lions flittered about signing autographs afterwards, North Harbour chief executive Noel Coom beemed: “This was an opportunity for the little kids to get to the players, rather than the ‘big kids’.
“From what I understand, they had good access to the players. There was a lot of interaction and it went really well.”
The Lions’ second training session, open to the public, will be held in Christchurch on Monday, June 13.
Meanwhile, Friday morning’s All-Blacks trial match will be missing New Zealand captain and centre Tana Umaga and full-back Mils Muliana.
The flu will see Umaga kept on the sidelines for the televised clash at McLean Park, Napier (kick-off 8.10am Irish time, live Sky Sports 1). Muliana of the Auckland Blues has a shoulder niggle, and has been told to rest it as a precaution.
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