Fans buzzing ahead of Lions' Christchurch game

Rugby fans' excitement is set to bubble over tonight in Christchurch as the British and Irish Lions face the Crusaders.

Supporters brandished in team gear are out on the city's streets bright and early ahead of the match.

One Lions fan who had travelled from England to watch said he was "hoping for the best".

"We're against the best team in the world so we'll just see what comes."

The Lions supporter said he hoped to see more cohesion in the team's play tonight.

"I'd like to think we'll see a bit better performance than we have in the last two games... if we could beat them great, but if we could come close against the Crusaders then that would be a good result for us."

Buses emblazoned with union jacks and rugby fields promoting the match add colour to the city, which was robbed of 2011 Rugby World Cup games.

Pubs are expected to be humming with locals and visitors ahead of and during the match - Guinness has been flowing steadily at O'Shea's Public House in Shirley.

Supporters will have to wrap up warm though, with temperatures hitting a chilly 10 degrees during the day and 0 degrees overnight.

An added chill in the air could come from nor'westerly winds of around 9km/h.