Fierce lions challenge tags of favouritism as Wallabies cope and improvise for their contest
The British & Irish Lions are all set to take on Australia in the first Test of their 2025 tour at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on Saturday, July 19. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two teams since the Lions' 2-1 series victory in 2013.
The Lions have been in fine form during their tour, winning all five of their matches on Australian soil leading up to the Test series. This momentum could be a significant advantage for the Lions in the first Test.
Australia, however, faces challenges due to injuries, with key players like Will Skelton and Rob Valetini ruled out. Despite these setbacks, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has expressed confidence in the team's competitiveness.
The Australian team features a mix of experience and new talent. Tom Lynagh will make his Test debut at flyhalf, while Nick Champion de Crespigny will make his international debut at flanker. Veteran James Slipper is also part of the squad.
The Lions' coach, Andy Farrell, has warned his players about the Wallabies' tendency to "turn up" and has emphasised the need to back up their tour performances in the test. Farrell has also stated that the true mettle of the 2025 Lions will be tested on Saturday night.
The absence of a Welsh representative on the pitch in a Lions test for the first time in nearly 130 years is a notable occurrence. Joe Schmidt, Wallabies counterpart and former mentor of Andy Farrell, has a selection dilemma for Australia's back row.
Schmidt has spoken glowingly of Tom Lynagh's "quiet confidence", but conceded that it might not be ideal for Lynagh to start his first test against the British & Irish Lions. Schmidt, however, expressed hope that Australia can put a game together to keep the Lions "pretty honest" on the day.
Local hopes of success for Australia rely on Schmidt's coaching skills, their decent test record in Brisbane, and the lore that the Wallabies "always turn up". Farrell has expressed a sense that there is a determined bunch looking forward to the test match, and has stated that the test of the best laid plans is when you get punched on the nose.
While the Lions are heavily favored to win their opening clash with Australia, there is no overconfidence within the squad. The Wallabies' resilience and the fact that they are playing at home could make this a closely contested match. The margin of victory might be closer than expected, and an Australian upset is not entirely out of the question.
Despite the British & Irish Lions' dominance in the tour, their coach, Andy Farrell, acknowledges the challenges ahead in the European leagues, particularly against the Wallabies. Farrell points out that Australia's mix of experienced players like James Slipper and new talent such as Tom Lynagh and Nick Champion de Crespigny could pose a significant threat in the first Test.
