Sevens: Regional pride goes on the line as mascots battle it out

NICE TO MEET YOU: Stuart Thurlow gives his favourite mascot Steve O The Stag a high five while on dad Rodney's shoulders. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 100114BF20

Who is the best mascot? If we're talking musical statues then it's Wellington's Leo the Lion, but the main prize - the Mascot Mug - will be determined this weekend.

Last night at Eat Streat, seven mascots battled it out in tug o' war, musical statues and basketball hoops to give the Rotorua public the chance to meet the characters ahead of the Bayleys National Sevens.

Between games today and tomorrow there will be more challenges to test agility, speed and strength.

The Thurlow family has split loyalties - dad Rodney wants Steamie to win for the Bay of Plenty, but mum Heather is backing her home province Southland and Steve O The Stag.

"It would be really nice if Steve O could win the mug," she said.

"He looks quite daring. There's a little bit of rivalry at home."

Mr Thurlow, who carried son Stuart, 5, on his shoulders, said they hoped to watch some of the action this weekend after their Eat Streat experience.

"It's good to see the mascots down here - it's a perfect location. We came along to have a look and for a bit of a laugh."

The mascots who took part last night were Mark O'Shark (Tasman), Steamie (Bay of Plenty), Steve O The Stag (Southland), Turboman (Manawatu), Leo the Lion (Wellington), Ferdinand the Bull (Taranaki) and Mooloo the Cow (Waikato).

The Bayleys National Sevens starts today at noon and runs until tomorrow at the Rotorua International Stadium with play until 8pm. Gates open at 11.30am.