All Blacks captain Kieran Reid and some of his teammates were spotted ahead of tonight's game. Photo / Darren Taumata
All Blacks captain Kieran Reid and some of his teammates were spotted ahead of tonight's game. Photo / Darren Taumata
All Blacks captain Kieran Read and some of his teammates have been spotted having a relaxed brunch ahead of tonight's big game against the British and Irish Lions.
Read and prop Owen Franks were this morning looking calm with two others in central Auckland cafe Major Sprout.
Lock Brodie Retallickwas also spotted in the cafe at the same time, seated at a separate table further back.
Dressed casually, Read and Owens were playing cards after finishing their late breakfast - mostly undisturbed by the other punters in the cafe, who appeared unfazed by their presence.
Aside from a few Lions fans that is. When three English Lions fans walked through the doors, they spotted the captain immediately, and began discussing amongst themselves whether they should ask for a photo with him.
When asked for comment about how relaxed the players looked ahead of tonight's highly anticipated clash at Eden Park, Read declined to talk to the Herald.
Auckland city is already buzzing ahead of the first test match, which kicks off at 7.30pm tonight, despite the grey, miserable weather.
Lions fans and their bright red jerseys can be seen dotted around the city, in good spirits.
Coach Warren Gatland has already said the team is aiming to put an end to the All Blacks' 23-year winning streak at Eden Park, saying: "Those sort of records are there to be broken."
Graeme and Kim Burn from Northampton have come to support the Lions. Photo / Natasha Jojoa Burling
Earlier this morning, Graeme and Kim Burn from Northampton were strolling through Auckland dressed as lions, complete with furry headgear.
"We left the sun in the UK to come here to New Zealand and it's raining and it's cold," Graeme said.
"But we're used to it, so hey, bring it on, it's a great time."
The couple was heading for the SkyTower, before making for the Fan Zone, then walking to the ground.
Graeme said he was enjoying being among so many Lions supporters.
"I think it's great when you see people walking around you say hello, and hopefully bring a smile to people's faces - the locals."
The couple said tonight's match will be tough for the Lions, taking on the best side in the world.
"I think the All Blacks will win," says Kim Burn.
"But I hope it's close."
Graeme was holding out hope for a strong Lions showing: "If we can win one of the first two matches then it sets up the third match at the end for just a great, great atmosphere."
The British and Irish Lions tour is expected to pump $26.7 million into the Auckland economy, and bars and hotels are already feeling the effects of the more than 20,500 international and 14,000 domestic visitors expected to arrive for the rugby.
Queens Wharf will be Auckland's entertainment hub while the Lions are here.
