Fans pack Eden Park for Blues v Lions clash

Fans are heading in to Auckland's Eden Park ahead of tonight's game between the British and Irish Lions and the Blues.

Thousands of rowdy fans are making their way to Eden Park for the second game of the British and Irish Lions tour between the visitors and the hometown Blues.

More than 40,000 fans are expected to attend the game, although it is not quite a sell out with 4000 tickets still available for purchase this morning.

Hosting the game during peak-hour traffic in the middle of the working week has put a strain on Auckland's transport network, and fans have been advised to use public transport and make their way to Eden Park early. People are able to use their match ticket to travel on public transport for free.

Tonight's game will be the first of three at Eden Park during the tour, with two test matches also being held in Auckland on June 24 and July 8.

Eden Park chief executive Guy Ngata said the stadium will host about 20,000 international and 14,000 domestic visitors, as well as local fans. He said security checks will take longer than for Super Rugby games.

"There will be 100 per cent bag searches. To avoid delays, please don't bring a bag unless necessary and plan to arrive early to assist with the security process."

The Blues will perform a special haka before the match called He Toa Takitini (The Strength of Many), to reflect the many cultures in the squad.

Both teams will observe a minute's silence in memory of the victims of recent terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.