'Excited' Prince William predicts a Lions' win

Prince William with Bill Beaumont during a Lions training session at Rugby Park, Pororua, today. Picture / Fotopress

Prince William shelved his red rugby jersey for a suit and red tie as he arrived at Westpac Stadium predicting a Lions win in tonight's second rugby test here.

Accompanied by his childhood friend Thomas van Straubenzee, Prince William was greeted by New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chairman Jock Hobbs and president John Graham -- both former All Blacks captains.

He was then ushered up to the Wellington Rugby Union's function room for a formal pre-test NZRU dinner attended by 60 guests.

A keen Lions supporter, Prince William wore a red tie with a light blue shirt and navy blue suit, instead of a Lions jersey.

After shaking hands with Mr Hobbs and Mr Graham, Prince William said he was "very excited about tonight".

Embarking on his first official solo engagement outside Britain, rugby was the main reason for his visit as he also attends next Saturday's third test in Auckland.

Asked by Mr Graham is he was feeling jet lag after arriving in New Zealand on Thursday, he said he was "okay at the moment, but give me another two hours and I'll be drifting off".

Prince William and Mr van Straubenzee were greeted by stadium receptionist Annette Miller, wearing a red Lions pullover and All Blacks scarf, who presented the pair with their wristbands for entry to the function room.

"He was very polite -- he said thank you very much and shook my hand. It was a great thrill," she said.

Earlier today, Prince William attended a low key training for the Lions midweek team at Porirua Park, 20km north of Wellington.

Asked about his prediction for tonight's test on arrival, he said: "Definitely a Lions win."

Royal fever hadn't quite hit Porirua as Prince William arrived midway through training to screams and waves from about 20 women rugby players spilling out of the Northern United rugby clubrooms.

Members of the public who arrived late were denied entry by a solitary policewoman on the gate, as spectators were outnumbered by the 50-strong media contingent.

Wearing a red Lions jacket, black track pants and cross trainers, Prince William carried his rugby boots but they weren't required.

Having joined in stretching exercises and kicked a ball at training yesterday, the boots were for show only today as he settled for observing scrum and lineout training.

He was greeted by Lions manager Bill Beaumont and midweek coach Ian McGeechan, shaking hands with several players before Beaumont and flanker Neil Back talked him through lineout and scrummaging sessions.

But after 20 minutes, the lineup of cameras were ushered out with only photos of the prince chatting and smiling to speak of.

- NZPA