THE British Lions will be trounced by the All Blacks this summer - that is the controversial view of the New Zealand rugby public which is sure to inflame the thousands of Lions supporters travelling Down Under.

Shane Howarth, pictured, back in town for Rod Snow's testimonial match tomorrow after three great years with Newport, brings with him the view of the All Black fans.

Howarth also warns the Lions that every game the Lions face on their 11-match tour with will be tough, physical encounters.

The New Zealand management have already allowed internationals to play for the Maoris against the Lions in preference to the All Blacks against Fiji, making it virtually a fourth Test.

"It's a huge thing in New Zealand, but being back there as long as I have (two years) they still don't respect the competition here," said Howarth, who won four caps for his native New Zealand and another 19 for Wales under Graham Henry.

"The New Zealand public believe the rugby here is plodding 10-man stuff and they expect the All Blacks to win the Test series 3-0.

"We've all had a bit of a giggle because the Lions appear to be bringing around 230 players and 100 management.

"And I wonder about a couple of Lions selections. If Neil Back can get on a Lions tour I should be back on a rugby field.

"The Maoris will be tough and physical, but every game will be tough and physical. It's going to happen, the Lions open against Bay of Plenty, then play Taranaki midweek, they're not going to get a soft game."

But Howarth believes the New Zealand public have got it wrong, and he also sees one area of concern in the All Blacks team.

"The supporters' view is a danger. I worry the New Zealand public think it's going to be a cakewalk, I don't see it like that," he said.

"The tight five is a weakness back home. There is no obvious partner for Chris Jack at lock while hooker Anton Oliver has got a pretty bad leg injury and Kevin Mealamu is not a great scrummager.

"There is a worrying lack of depth in the tight five and I'm sure Clive Woodward will be looking at that.

"And the All Blacks will be looking at Dan Carter at outside half and worrying if he goes down because there isn't much behind him.

"The Crusaders are in two finals so it's a big decision for Carter and Graham Henry must be worrying. Carter has got to get through it."

Howarth admits he was thrilled with the success of Wales this season and believes their players will be key men for the Lions.

"I was rapt at the way they played," he said. "It came at the right time for Wales with the English and French not on top form, and the last game against Ireland was great.

"Wales did fantastically well and to be fair to the management the team kept it alive, they weren't dying with it which made it harder to defend.

"Woodward would be unwise if he didn't look at the Welsh style, though there's a time and a place, and you never know what the conditions are going to be.

"The Welsh boys are definitely there on merit. Martyn Williams was outstanding, Shane Williams and Gareth Thomas are not bad players and Stephen Jones was exceptional in the Six Nations.

"He is well suited to New Zealand opposition, he knows when to run and kick, he's got an incredible rugby brain and he'll like the conditions.

"I also think the English boys will step up to the mark and I like the Irish locks. It's going to be a good series."

Howarth has been coaching the Auckland domestic side part-time (not the Blues) and they have just finished sixth. "It's been an eye-opener being the other side of the white line, but I've enjoyed it and I've also got a goal kicking academy going which has formed a niche for me in New Zealand, I enjoy helping others," he said.

He also praised Snow. "There is no more deserving person than Rod Snow," he said. "He's been through the hard times and then helped win the cup. The loyalty of the guy knows no bounds and if anyone deserves a testimonial he does.

"I just hope the game is not competitive!"