Lions Tour 2025
- Thread starter KevinO
- Start date
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
It's an exhibition game, like hundreds of similar games in the history of rugby union.
I can't understand why anyone thought this was ever going to be anything other than a bit of fun for players not selected for anything else
Wilson
John Eales (66)
Looking at the schedule it's basically going to be an Australia A game with the Brumbies players replaced with Kiwis. I imagine that means they have a much better idea of the bulk of the side internally, with just that kiwi availability remaining to see who they can slot in where. Given how strong ticket sales have been across the tour I don't think it matters much that they haven't announced who's playing yet either.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
Bit of history for the previous ANZAC game in 1989. While it was a pretty good and close game, the concept itself was a bit of a flop, which is probably why it has never been repeated..
Spamnoodle
Darby Loudon (17)
In 1989 everyone had to hold down a real job to be able to afford to play rugby. It was most likely lambing season in NZ.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
It was because the ANZAC game fell on the spare weekend between two test against Argentina. The Bled was then the week after
Spamnoodle
Darby Loudon (17)
Well there's your answer, it's hardly a similar scenario this time around.
rugbyAU
Desmond Connor (43)
Lions warn Rugby Australia about breaking 'agreement' by resting Wallabies stars
The British and Irish Lions have no interest playing against anything but full-strength line-ups in their lead-up to the first Test against the Wallabies in July.
www.abc.net.au
Wilson
John Eales (66)
I wonder if any British or Irish players have booked holidays for Australia just in case there's a late squad call up. Wouldn't be the first time they've called in players in the region on short notice and it'll be even more likely if last minute flights are tricky to organise.
There aren't many kicking around super rugby right now - Adamson is the only one I'm aware of, though there are technically eligible ones like Lambert, Dolly and Sotutu, I'm not sure what lions selection would otherwise mean for they're eligibility. I imagine the handful of so in Japan also come into consideration.
Wilson
John Eales (66)
Barbarians squad to face the Springboks has been announced, feels like the Kiwis (in bold) included are a good indication of those we could call up for the Au Nz game:
Also, Paul Alo-Emile might make for a good inclusion in the Pasifika/Indigenous game, if it's workable with Stade.
The New Zealand based ones are probably the most likely, followed by the Japanese and then the French.
Also, Paul Alo-Emile might make for a good inclusion in the Pasifika/Indigenous game, if it's workable with Stade.
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
Lick a bag Lions.
Lions warn Rugby Australia about breaking 'agreement' by resting Wallabies stars
The British and Irish Lions have no interest playing against anything but full-strength line-ups in their lead-up to the first Test against the Wallabies in July.
Some serious talent in there, past and upcoming ABs, could put a proper international standard team out between AU/NZ.