By Nemoquin
June 24 2005

At the moment I'm travelling around New Zealand following the Lions. I thought that I would write something on various aspects of this, but not on the games so far.
Those watching on TV probably have a better view of what happened, with the benefit of close in camera shots, replays and expert[ or "expert"] commentary.

I heard before leaving that New Zealanders were passionate about, and experts on, rugby. This has been borne out by my experiences so far. I've been to Rotorua, New Plymouth and am now in Hamilton.

1. There are signs up everywhere welcoming the Lions. A lot of the shops have special offers for Lions supporters and/or their own adverts backing their team.
   
   
2. A large number of TV adverts have a rugby connection. New Zealand has a Sky Sports 1,2 and 3, but no Sky Sports Extra. Instead there is the Rugby Channel, which as its name suggests shows nothing but games of rugby and programmes about rugby.
   
   
3. There is talk that there may be an early General Election here. One of the papers went through various possible election dates, quite seriously dismissing some of them because the All Blacks would be playing then.
   
   
4. I've met nobody who thinks that Paul Honiss is a good referee.
   
   
5. A bar I went into in New Plymouth had a special offer for match day. Show them your match ticket and you would get a free drink before the game, a free coach to the stadium, a free coach back afterwards and another free drink. I am sure that the great minds at Quinssa can come up with something similar for coach trips for the coming season.

We've been travellling from place to place by coach which gives an opportunity to enjoy the countryside. There are some spectacular views with rolling hills, tree lined gorges, hilly streams and rivers. If you've seen Lord of the Rings, you'll know how beautiful the country can be and parts, obviously not all, are like that in real life. We also went through places which were used to represent Japan when filming The Last Samurai, but I haven't seen that film and so can't comment further. Although it is winter, it has nevertheless been sunny most days. This gives an opportunity to appreciate how beautifully clear the air is, not having been spoilt by modern pollution.

One aspect of the Taranaki game that may not have been shown on TV is the layout of part of the stadium. Behind one dead ball line is a grassy bank for spectators. Then there is a low wall, a walkway and another low wall forming the boundary of the stadium. This wall is also the back garden wall of a number of houses. So, we saw the locals watching the game from their gardens.

While travelling around, we have been to a number of local rugby clubs. All of them have impressive facilities, bearing in mind that they form effectively the bottom tier of senior rugby.

On the way to New Plymouth, because we were likely to arrive at the hotel before check in time, our coach driver called ahead to the Clifton club. There were just some of the members there doing some maintenance, but they were quite happy to open up the bar and chat to us for a couple of hours.

In New Plymouth we were invited for the evening before the Taranaki game to the Tukapa club. One of their members, Tony Penn, was going to play against the Lions and he was there. It is quite clearly a thriving club, judging by the number of people out training on the pitch and drinking in the bar. However, even in New Zealand things aren't as good as they were. Too many youngsters who play mini rugby drop out of the game as they get older, and the club can no longer finance itself almost exclusively from bar profits.

The real highlight so far was a visit to Waitete Club. All real rugby fans, which by definition includes all Quins supporters, will know that this was the only club that Colin Meads ever played for. The great man was there, along with his brother and fellow All Black, Stan. He was quite happy to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

We were given a traditional hangi lunch. This involves heating some rocks, putting them in a hole in the ground, putting wire baskets of food on top, putting sacking on top, and then piling the earth back on top. Despite what you may think, and the hoorors of Health and Safety, this works.

After lunch the great man gave a speech. He gave one reason why wanted the All Blacks to win, which went down well with many of the Lions supporters there: If the Lions win with their huge numbers in the touring party, then all the major rugby nations will copy this. He was used to going on tours with far more matches, but with just 30 players and 2 officials.

Because Clive Rowlands was there, both of them gave their own, humorous and friendly, versions of the infamous clash between the two of them on the 1963 tour of the UK by the All Blacks.

We've actually seen more of the Lions outside games than I expected. On the morning of the Taranaki game, we heard that they would be training at a local park. they duly turned up, but it became clear that it was more of a "get the players out of the hotel to ensure that they are not bored" session. The backs jogged up and down passing the ball a few times. The forwards went through in slow motion a few lineout moves. Will G, as befits a senior player, spent most of his time chatting. Jonny, even though he didn't have a ball, still practised his kicking action. Even though nothing was really happening, SCW was there, Ian McGeechan was there, the doctor was there, David McHugh, the refereeing advisor was there, along with sundry minor bottle washers and spear carriers.

At our hotel in Hamilton, there was a letter from the manager in the rooms. This said that there was an important rugby match this weekend! Also a number of high profile people would be staying at the hotel and they should not be approached for autrographs etc. Sure enough, it turned out to be the team, which is as a good a way as any of finishing week 1 in New Zealand."