Scott Quinnell tonight paid tribute to the ``unbelievable'' Lions supporters who have started invading Melbourne in their thousands.

The travelling army turned Brisbane into a sea of red last Saturday, outsinging subdued Wallabies fans when the Lions recorded an unforgettable 29-13 first Test triumph.

And a similar story could unfold this weekend at Melbourne's 55,000 capacity Colonial Stadium, given how many British and Irish supporters are already in town.

``The support is unbelievable,'' said Lions and Wales number eight Quinnell. ``I could be in Llanelli town centre, given the number of people I know out here.

``It is an incredible feeling to see so many red jerseys, given that you are on the other side of the world.

``The support in Brisbane was probably worth a few points to us. The support before, during and after that game was fantastic. If we win again on Saturday, then it is going to be unbelievable.''

Ticket prices for the second Test are `going through the retractable roof,' with the best seats reportedly being sold on for as much as £400.

One ticketing agent said British and Irish fans were his biggest customers.

``There are a lot of people who have come out expecting to pick up tickets and who are getting a bit desperate,'' said George Davis, of Sport ticketing. After all, it's a long way to come to watch it on TV.''

When tickets for Saturday week's third Test in Sydney went on sale today, orders via phone and internet were restricted to Australian residents. All 10,000 general sale tickets were snapped up in 35 minutes.

That brought a rebuke from the Australian Tourist Commission, who are concerned that the move could deter British tourists from visiting Australia for the 2003 World Cup.

With thousands more Lions supporters arriving in the city for what they hope will be the series clincher, the Australian rugby authorities are desperately trying to counter the impression that the Lions are playing at home.

They have spent around £24,000 on give-away Wallaby gear to give the green and gold a chance of being seen among the tidal wave of red shirts.

Another secret weapon being wheeled out at the AFL's new showpiece Colonial Stadium is country singing star Troy Cassar Daly, who will lead the home crowd in Waltzing Matilda.

National pride was stung in Brisbane when the Aussies' unofficial anthem was drowned out by Lions supporters belting out `Bread of Heaven', `Swing Low Sweet Chariot' and `Flower of Scotland'.

An estimated 15,000 British and Irish supporters cheered the Lions to victory in Brisbane. It is thought that the figure could swell to 20,000 in Melbourne.

``I am told that there are more United Kingdom visitors here for the Lions tour than there were for the Sydney Olympics,'' said Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill. ``Their presence has enhanced the tour no end.''