Fri, May 27, 2005 - Page 22 News List

`Barmy Army' marches to New Zealand

RED TIDE The well-oiled machine of up to 25,000 British rugby fans is gearing up to descend on the `Land of the Small White Crowd' and promised the hosts a thrashing

AFP , WELLINGTON

"I don't think New Zealand has any idea what is coming. New Zealand has not seen anything like this before," Parker says.

Australia underestimated the number of fans who showed up for the Lions tour in 2001 and for the World Cup in 2003 and New Zealand may be making the same mistake, he warns.

"I think there has been a lot of short-sightedness," he says.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton is counting on 15,000 to 20,000 fans turning up from Britain and Ireland and believes everything has been done to ensure the tour runs smoothly.

Parker says the Barmy Army's mission is a simple one: "We are here for three things. To watch rugby, drink beer and steal your women."

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