Fired-up hosts will have Lions in sights

The Lions think-tank is expecting a full-on, up-front challenge from provincial side Bay of Plenty when they begin their 2005 tour of New Zealand at the Rotorua International Stadium tomorrow (8.10am).

Head coach Clive Woodward, captain Brian O'Driscoll and defensive guru Phil Larder have warned that last year's NPC semi-finalists, backboned by 10 Super 12 players, will come at the tourists with all guns blazing and looking to upset Lions momentum at the first opportunity.

"I'm sure they'll be very much up for the game," O'Driscoll said.