Lions Question Wet Field in Sydney After Victory Over Waratahs

Lions Question Field Condition in Sydney After Victory

The British & Irish Lions team has expressed doubts about whether the Waratahs deliberately watered the field in Sydney, after achieving an 11-point victory at Allianz Stadium. Tourists were expected to dominate a New South Wales team missing five regular Wallabies players, but instead, they secured their third win on the struggling tour. The Lions struggled to deal with the Waratahs’ fierce play, especially at the breakdown, led by Charlie Gamble, and made several passing errors.

Lions coach Andy Farrell attributed this to “exaggeration”, but also hinted that the hosts might have watered the Allianz Stadium pitch to affect his team’s handling.

The field was very wet, and I asked Mike Catt after the match and he was laughing.

Andy Farrell

Farrell added that, despite the humidity, the Waratahs’ aggressive play and the speed of their line were important factors. When asked if he believed the Waratahs had deliberately altered the state of the field, Farrell responded cautiously. However, as it was pointed out that Sydney had been hit by heavy rains during the week, Farrell seemed to retract the accusation. Both Waratahs captain Hugh Sinclair and coach Dan McKellar downplayed the suggestion.

No, no, no, no, not at all.

Dan McKellar

McKellar added that he wasn’t worried about the water on the field. The surface of Sydney is usually wet at this time of year, and the grass is about to be replaced due to drainage problems that have affected the stadium since its reconstruction in 2022.