Lions vs Wallabies: 5 Reasons for Dominance and an Australian Hope

The 12-Year Wait Comes to an End: Wallabies vs. British and Irish Lions in Brisbane

After a long wait of 12 years, the Wallabies will once again face the British and Irish Lions. The highly anticipated opening match of the three-match series will take place on Saturday night. According to bookmakers, the odds do not favor Australia in the first match, which will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The Wallabies have odds of up to $4.40, while the visitors are favorites with odds of $1.23.

Reasons for Lions’ Dominance

Here are five key reasons why the Lions could dominate the Wallabies in Brisbane, and a reason why Australian fans can still hold onto hope.

• Brisbane History: The Lions have won the last two matches in Brisbane at the start of the series.

In 2001, the Lions overcame the Wallabies, with the legendary Brian O’Driscoll scoring a memorable try. Although the Lions lost the series, they won that match comfortably, 35-14. In 2013, the encounter was more contested, with Israel Folau shining for the Wallabies. However, George North and Alex Cuthbert scored impressive tries for the Lions.

• Absence of Rob Valetini: The absence of Rob Valetini, one of the Wallabies’ most prominent players, is a hard blow. Valetini brings crucial offensive play and is an impactful defender.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson commented that the whole team must step up their game in the absence of Valetini.

Harry Wilson

Australia’s victory over England is a good example of Valetini’s impact. He was the forward with the most meters run and the second with the most carries.

• Experience of the Lions’ Number 10: Finn Russell, with 87 international matches, is the Lions’ fly-half.

The Lions coach, Andy Farrell, has considered Russell as his opening for months. Russell has proven to be a world-class player for a long time.

• Wallabies’ Fly-Half Inexperience: 22-year-old Tom Lynagh will be the Wallabies’ fly-half, with only three international matches.

Noah Lolesio’s injury forced Schmidt to choose Lynagh, who has had problems with concussions and hasn’t played much lately.

• Experience Disadvantage: The Lions have a total of 1172 international caps, while the Wallabies have 641.

The difference is even greater, considering that 225 of the Wallabies’ caps belong to James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa.

• Suncorp Stadium is no longer a Fortress: In the past, Brisbane was a favorable place for the Wallabies, but they have lost ground.

Although there were victories in 2011, 2017 and 2020, they haven’t won in the stadium since the second match against France in 2021, losing to England in 2022 and South Africa in 2023.

• Lions’ Advantage: The Lions have had time to prepare, with key players like Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell playing together.

On the other hand, the Wallabies will present a half-back pairing that has never played together and has only had one preparation match. In addition, several Wallabies players haven’t had enough activity, such as Jake Gordon, Matt Faessler, and Max Jorgensen. Lynagh has had problems with concussions and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii suffered a fractured jaw.

All this explains why the odds don’t favor Australia. Former captain Stephen Moore commented that the Wallabies have been “mediocre” for some time.

Despite this, there is a factor in favor of the Wallabies: the lack of expectations. Playing without pressure could be an advantage.

“I’ve always wanted to be a Wallaby, it’s the greatest honor you can have. There are ups and downs, but I’ve always wanted to be in these situations,” said captain Harry Wilson.

Harry Wilson