Locals lap up big game excitement

James Towers (left) and Craig Elliott, at House of Elliott Hairdressing, rough it up. Photo / Ben Fraser

Jack Andrews knew the Lions would be touring New Zealand this year, so instead of heading home to Wales after two years in Australia he took up a one-year working holiday visa here.

"I'm so excited. I'm going to the game tomorrow, the Lions will win without a doubt ... I saw the team out [on Wednesday night] and I got to shake the captain's [Sam Warburton's] hand ..."

The Pig and Whistle bartender, 26, said he had been wearing his Lions jersey "non-stop" to work, much to the amusement of his colleagues.

Yesterday, Lions supporters Ian and Mitchell Oldacre were enjoying a pint at the pub.

Ian had flown over from Coventry, England to join his son Mitchell to watch several of the tour games.

"It's my first time in New Zealand. We'll be heading to the game."

Despite having lived in Christchurch for the past four years working as an electrician, Mitchell said he would "definitely" be supporting his home team.

Pig and Whistle operations manager Rosie Harding said they were expecting the next few days to be busy.

Maori All Blacks fans have also been out and about Rotorua, including Kerry Griffin.

Mr Griffin, originally from Christchurch, is part of the "The Gathering", 162 people following the tour.

"I'm backing the Maori All Blacks to win but it'll be close."

Craig Elliott, of House of Elliott Hairdressing, said he'd had his tickets for the game since October. "My heart says Maori All Blacks but my head says Lions."

One of his staff, James Towers from the UK, asked Mr Elliott if they could make a Lions side and an All Blacks side at the salon.