It seems the jet-lag is gone as Britain and Ireland’s best rugby players were all smiles after their plane touched down in Dunedin yesterday afternoon.
Only a week after they squeezed past a team of journeymen and juniors in Whangarei, and only days after coach Warren Gatland dropped his now infamous exasperated F-bomb, the British and Irish Lions seemed at ease and relaxed after knocking off an almost full-strength Crusaders outfit on Saturday night.
The team smiled and chatted as they signed autographs and posed for photos with fans who gathered at Dunedin Airport yesterday.
The relaxed atmosphere allowed supporters plenty of time to speak to their favourite players.
Among the about 30 who gathered to greet the team were English expats Neil and Annie Robinson.
However, their children James (13) and William (9) were nowhere to be seen.
"The kids are Highlanders fans — they are embarrassed by mum and dad," Mrs Robinson said.
The couple, long-time Lions fans, said it was exciting to be part of the premier rugby tour.
"It’s quite a big thing in the UK if you are a rugby fan," Mr Robinson said.
He would be cheering on the team from the stands of Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow.
As for the upcoming test series with the All Blacks, he’s going against the oddsmakers.
"I have got money on the Lions for a two-one win," he said.
"I’m a little bit more optimistic after last night, that’s for sure.
"It’s going to be close."
The pair were able to secure signatures from several players and even got a photo with their favourite Lion, English lock Maro Itoje.
"That’s who we wanted a picture with for everyone back home," Mrs Robinson said.
"He’s going to be the next England captain," Mr Robinson added.
Despite their parents being surrounded by the cream of northern hemisphere rugby crop, away from the fuss and unawed were their sons James and William.
When asked if any Lions players were worth getting excited about, New Zealand-born William replied: "Not really".
The Lions passed through the airport with no formal greeting, prompting one Irish-born fan to ask: "This is Dunedin, where’s all the bagpipes and that kind of thing?".
The team boarded its buses and waved to fans as they pulled away — smiling and relaxed.
What a difference a week makes.
