Dispute over Australia as Lions' potential location deemed 'offensive' by Farrell
The British & Irish Lions are set to conclude their 2025 tour of Australia in Sydney, with a chance to achieve an unprecedented whitewash against the Wallabies in the third Test. The Lions have already clinched the series after winning the first two Tests, with a 27-19 victory in the opening match and a close 29-26 win in the second.
The Lions' coach, Farrell, does not consider Australia as a potential threat to be dismissed, stating that the Wallabies will be a force to be reckoned with by 2027. This optimistic outlook is shared by Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson, who has praised the series, stating that everyone involved couldn't say a negative word about it. Wilson also expressed appreciation for the Lions' performance, describing the experience as unbelievable.
The Lions have a rich and successful history touring Australia, dating back to their first encounters in 1888. Since then, they have played eight tours in Australia, winning six out of seven series held there. The Lions' current tour, the Qatar Airways Lions Men's Series, is a three-match test series against Australia, along with matches against Australian Super Rugby teams and invitational teams.
In the ongoing series, the Lions have won all five of their matches on Australian soil so far, after a narrow defeat in a warm-up match against Argentina in Dublin. If they manage to win the third Test, it will be their first series whitewash since 1974.
Despite Australia's current sixth ranking in the world, they are undergoing a rebuild under coach Joe Schmidt after a poor performance in the 2023 World Cup. The Wallabies skipper, Harry Wilson, refutes the notion of Australia being dumped as a host, stating that the series has been an excellent opportunity for both teams to grow and improve.
Meanwhile, discussions have emerged about the Lions seeking tougher competition and better commercial opportunities elsewhere. Reports suggest that Argentina and France are interested in hosting the Lions in future tours. However, the focus remains on the third Test, as the Lions aim to conclude their 2025 tour with a historic victory.
Football enthusiasts are keenly following the Champions League, with the British & Irish Lions' performance in the ongoing Australian tour serving as an interesting comparison. While Australia's current sixth ranking in European leagues might not seem impressive, their recent performance against the Lions, despite the defeat, has sparked optimism for the future. Some supporters even believe that the Wallabies could pose a challenge to the Lions in football by 2027, similar to the excitement surrounding their encounters in the Champions League.
