Twelve years of anticipation will culminate this Saturday night as the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions face off in the first of three Test matches at Lang Park in Brisbane. This historic rugby tour, which occurs once every dozen years, pits Australia’s finest against the top players from four nations, promising a thrilling spectacle for rugby enthusiasts.
ABC Sport will provide live coverage of the first Test on Saturday, July 19, from Lang Park. This eagerly awaited match is not only a testament to the enduring rivalry between these teams but also a celebration of rugby’s rich history and tradition.
Match Details and Viewing Options
The first Test match will kick off on Saturday, July 19, at Lang Park. Fans across the globe can tune in at various local times:
- 8pm AEST: Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT
- 7:30pm ACST: South Australia and Northern Territory
- 6pm AWST: Western Australia
- 10pm NZST: New Zealand
- 11am BST: United Kingdom and Ireland
- 12pm SAST: South Africa
- 7am AST: Argentina
In Australia, Channel Nine will broadcast the match live on free-to-air television, with online streaming available through the Nine Network’s 9now and Stan Sport. International viewers can catch the action via Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sport NZ in New Zealand, SuperSport in South Africa, ESPN in Argentina, CBS in the United States, and DAZN in Canada.
Team Line-ups and Key Players
The Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions have announced their squads for the first Test, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. The Wallabies will be led by captain Harry Wilson, while the Lions’ captain Maro Itoje will spearhead their efforts.
- Wallabies: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (captain), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright
- British and Irish Lions: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje (captain), Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Tommy Freeman, Hugo Keenan
Both teams have a strong bench, with reserves ready to make an impact. Notably, players like James Slipper and James O’Connor bring experience from the 2013 series, aiming to replicate their past success.
The Legacy of the British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions represent a unique tradition in international rugby, bringing together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Their tours to the southern hemisphere, rotating every four years between Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, are highly anticipated events in the rugby calendar.
The Lions’ history dates back to 1888, when they first toured Australia and New Zealand, playing a mix of rugby and Australian Rules matches. The Lions have not faced the Wallabies in Test matches between 1966 and 1989, but their tours have always included matches against regional teams like Queensland and New South Wales.
The Tom Richards Trophy
Since 2001, the Wallabies and Lions have competed for the Tom Richards Trophy, named after the only Australian-born player to represent both the Lions and the Wallabies. Richards’ legacy is a testament to the deep connections between these rugby nations.
Australia were the first holders of the trophy after their series win in 2001. The Lions are the current holders following their series win in 2013.
Richards’ contribution to rugby includes being part of the first Wallaby team to tour Britain in 1908 and winning a gold medal at the 1908 London Olympics. His dual representation highlights the shared history and competitive spirit between the two teams.
Historical Context and Rivalry
Australia and the British and Irish Lions have faced off in 23 Test matches since their first encounter in 1899, with the Wallabies securing six victories. This rivalry has produced memorable moments, including Australia’s first Test win in 1899 and their series victory in 2001.
The Lions’ last tour to Australia in 2013 was a closely contested series, with the Lions claiming a 2-1 victory. The first two Tests were decided by narrow margins, while the Lions secured a decisive win in the third Test.
As the teams prepare to renew their rivalry, the stakes are high, with both sides eager to claim the Tom Richards Trophy and etch their names in rugby history once more.
The upcoming series promises to deliver intense competition, showcasing the best of international rugby. Fans worldwide will be watching closely as these two storied teams battle it out on the field.
