Lions Tour 2025

[Wilson]

I recall Kefu saying they'd be calling on Drua and Moana players in an early interview after his announcement as coach.

I found the quote from Waugh I was thinking of:

"For the First Nations and Pasifika game, it's players who are in the Australian Super Rugby squads, with the caveat that if there's a challenge around the depth of (the) team, then we can tap into the Moana Pasifika and Drua team.

Rugby Australia rules Folau ineligible to play British & Irish Lions

Rugby Australia has set out its criteria over player eligibility for an historic First Nations & Pasifika XV team, ruling one of the greatest Wallabies' performers out of making a triumphant retur...

nit.com.au

So potentially a few, but only around the edges it seems. Samoan test match players are likely out, given they have a match on the Friday beforehand. Fiji's last game I can see is this Saturday and Tonga don't appear to have anything booked in so they're probably still somewhat available. I'm guessing it'll also have to be players with ongoing contracts with the Drua/Moana too, which is going to limit the availability, particularly from Moana who have lost a lot of players in the off season.

 

[Wilson]

If any of the tour matches shone a pathway how to beat the Lions it was the Tahs match with their rush defence.

One remains hopeful.

I don't think that's a particularly useful take away for the Wallabies, it's not the system they run and trying to change to it now would be a recipe for disaster.

The more relevant take-aways from the tour games are the Lions vulnerability at the break down (Tahs and Brumbies both kept in touch by going hard here) and on the restart (Lions had issues in every game), along with a surprising lack of set piece dominance in general. The success the Brumbies had going to width is also pretty relevant - there was already clear intent from the Wallabies to go wide against Fiji, and the injury to Kinghorn is likely going to further weaken the Lions' ability to defend the fringes.

 

[Wilson]

Ringrose in doubt for the first test:

Ringrose emerges as Lions injury doubt for first Test in Australia

The Ireland outside centre may have sustained an injury against the Brumbies.

www.the42.ie

 

[Dismal Pillock]

you'd think Joe Schmidt's experience with Ireland would lead to him having a cunning plan for Test 1...... although God knows what that looks like.

The Lions pack's combo of size, speed and accuracy will get them over the gainline as well as defend whatever you throw at them.

OK, so Wobs go chaos ball, daft wee chip kicks etc.

Unfortunately this iteration of the Lions also have backs that are lethal on the counter attack if you get that a wee bit wrong.....

 

[cyclopath]

you'd think Joe Schmidt's experience with Ireland would lead to him having a cunning plan for Test 1...... although God knows what that looks like.

The Lions pack's combo of size, speed and accuracy will get them over the gainline as well as defend whatever you throw at them.

OK, so Wobs go chaos ball, daft wee chip kicks etc.

Unfortunately this iteration of the Lions also have backs that are lethal on the counter attack if you get that a wee bit wrong.....

Yeah, pretty much nailed it there. It's hard to see any major weak spots to exploit.
If the officials start policing the offside line, there will be 46 players and a couple of dozen coaches with surprised expressions, though. If they are allowed the luxury of line-speed that is always on the cheeky side they will belt us. And I know lots of teams get away with it, so it's not specific to them. Across the park they seem just bigger and better conditioned.

 

[K974]

Lions will pump them 50+ in all 3
Sooner this tour is over the better and get back to touring real rugby countries

pointless touring countries and filling the hosts coffer when there is such apathy

They can keep music at every stoppage sweet Caroline when players have serious injuries and soulless atmosphereless stadium where the locals have no interest

The deal is up in 2029 and I reckon france / or Argentina will 100% be added in place of australia moving forward

sad the decline

 

[KOB1987]

Lions will pump them 50+ in all 3
Sooner this tour is over the better and get back to touring real rugby countries

pointless touring countries and filling the hosts coffer when there is such apathy

They can keep music at every stoppage sweet Caroline when players have serious injuries and soulless atmosphereless stadium where the locals have no interest

The deal is up in 2029 and I reckon france / or Argentina will 100% be added in place of australia moving forward

sad the decline

I agree with rugbyAU

In fairness, the Aus provincial B grade teams by and large fared better than the game that had the Kiwis in it.

RA did offer the Lions a game against Australia A. Instead they chose that rabble last night.

Now, back to what RugbyAU said.

 

[Running_rugby_1954]

Lions will pump them 50+ in all 3
Sooner this tour is over the better and get back to touring real rugby countries

pointless touring countries and filling the hosts coffer when there is such apathy

They can keep music at every stoppage sweet Caroline when players have serious injuries and soulless atmosphereless stadium where the locals have no interest

The deal is up in 2029 and I reckon france / or Argentina will 100% be added in place of australia moving forward

sad the decline

Are you a real person? Who writes this?

 

[K974]

Are you a real person? Who writes this?

Read the uk media

This is the last Australian tour

France want in

 

[K974]

Fuck off

Good input

 

[Sword of Justice]

Read the uk media

Why would anyone do that?

 

[Ignoto]

pointless touring countries and filling the hosts coffer when there is such apathy

You know there's a revenue sharing model and the Lions + players get a cut?

Enjoy the trip to Argentina, all it will take it is one Geezer running his mouth about the Falklands and you'll have the Royal Navy in there rescuing your lot.

 

[K974]

Why would anyone do that?

To see all opinions?

 

[Running_rugby_1954]

Read the uk media

This is the last Australian tour

France want in

I just looked through BBC, the Independant and sky sports.

No commentary as you outline.

 

[drewprint]

A troll but a pretty accurate encapsulation of the vibe from the north. This guy's attitude matches everything we’ve seen from the northern players, pundits, and fans for months and months. A Lions series win is a fait accompli, this is merely a victory tour. Geez they’d want to hope they’re right, otherwise they’ll look like serious idiots.

 

[Sword of Justice]

To see all opinions?

To see a cess pit? Refer running rugby post.

 

[Dan54]

To see all opinions?

I must admit, I do that too. I read NH , Aussie, SA as well as local NZ press. But I read opinions etc from all round the world too on forums.

 

[Spamnoodle]

Good input

It's an even better idea for you to follow.