Yep, I think it is because WR (World Rugby) recognise them as such, but they strange ones aren't they, as they don't count as ranking tests etc which I can understand. I think as far as test caps go, that can be decided by individual nations, and NZ never used to give caps for tests played against Japan, Fiji etc, what we loosely call 2nd tier, and only changed after WC started.Lions matches are Test matches. They count as Test caps.
Did he mention anything else interesting? How's his injury coming along?Just watched the Samu Kerevi rugbypass offload podcast & despite the fact it sounds like he wont be coming back to play in aus he did mention he wished the lions would play against a PI side in Suva as apart of the tour. They went to Hong Kong to play the barbarians on the way to aus on the way though & I know money wise it doesn't make as much sense as a stop in HK or Japan but does the game owe a Lions v Fiji test in 2025 & a Lions v Moana test in 2029?
The Pacific Islands haven't influenced the game at all?? You might be confusing the islands with players of PI heritage.Because of the amount of influence the amount of influence the pacific islands have on the game.
Did he mention anything else interesting? How's his injury coming along?
Agreed, but could potentially see it happening. The "sports-wash" gambit basically just means throwing multi-millions until something sticks.yuck
Hey, maybe drop the ockers to two tests.
Indeed.And there’s the rub. When Qatari cash can interrupt well established rugby history, where does it end?
Man, after a lacklustre Super Round and dismal crowd last night, I’m being increasingly disenfranchised by Melbourne getting a big test most yearsRumours:
- 3 x test matches against Wallabies; Sydney, Melbourne & TBC(Perth/Brisbane/Adelaide)
- 1 x combined NZ & Aus match
- 1 x combined Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and PNG match
- 3 x Super Rugby matches against Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies
Pacific’s best to face Lions on 2025 Australia tour, but Brisbane on the outer
Rugby Australia is determined to shake up the British and Irish Lions format before the legendary side’s arrival in 2025.www.smh.com.au
Understand that it’s a commercial slam dunk, especially for a Lions tour - I’ll probably be one of many travelling down - I just don’t see that guaranteeing a Melbourne test every year is beneficial for the rugby community.To be fair on the chance of Melbourne hosting, it would be enough for people to travel for. I don’t doubt crowds would be an issue for a Lions tour.
And if the VIC Government are offering up the $$$ , it’s a bit hard for Rugby Australia to turn down given the debt they’re still carrying.