Dramatic traditional welcome for Lions

In dramatic surroundings, with the sky darkening and steam rising through the volcanic earth, British and Irish Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll and tour manager Bill Beaumont today accepted the traditional Maori challenge.

The full Lions party travelled from Auckland to Rotorua for the powhiri, which involved a band of fierce-looking, spear-wielding tattooed Maori warriors from the Te Arawa Iwi (tribe) laying down the weru (challenge).