More than 5,000 people turned out yesterday to watch the British and Irish Lions' rugby team hold its first public training session in New Zealand.
To some observers, the session was more PR -- public relations -- than PT -- physical training.
A five-minute video, played on the big screen at Albany Stadium north of Auckland, introduced each of the Lions players before the squad took the field.
PHOTO: AFP
British and New Zealand television commentators provided a running description of proceedings while former England international, journalist Stuart Barnes, conducted sideline interviews.
At the end of the session, selected pupils from local schools joined the Lions in handling and tackling exercises. Players stayed after training to sign autographs for spectators, many of whom wore Lions jerseys.
The charm offensive continued when Lions veteran Lawrence Dallaglio met the media.
"On behalf of the British and Irish Lions, I just want to say what a pleasure it is for us to be here," he said. "The turnout has been fantastic today. It bodes well for the rest of the tour."
The Lions play the first of 11 tour matches on Saturday when they meet Bay of Plenty at Rotorua.
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