The past few weeks have been highly fulfilling for the British & Irish Lions. Following their training sessions in Portugal and preparations in Ireland, the squad traveled across Australia, experiencing the diverse offerings of Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, and Melbourne. While securing a series victory was their main goal, the players were also encouraged to make the most of their time on tour.
A Lions tour is not solely about rugby. Henry Pollock, Duhan van der Merwe, and Josh van der Flier visited the Great Barrier Reef, while Pierre Schoeman spent time writing poetry. Others enjoyed rounds of golf or relaxed walks along the beaches of Bondi and Coogee with their families. Though the team’s eight matches in Australia have passed quickly, they will return home with many lasting memories beyond the sport.
The three-match format has produced compelling moments, even with the Lions holding a 2-0 lead heading into the final Test. Few could have predicted, for instance, that after trailing 23-5 in the first half of the Brisbane match, they would face a similar deficit a week later in Melbourne. The rapid transformation of the Wallabies within just eight days highlighted the unpredictable nature of a classic series.
Last week’s performance may not be repeated this time. Momentum will shift, and both teams will reveal more about their strengths and weaknesses by the end. The coaches’ adaptability will also be tested. Despite their loss, the Wallabies showed tactical intelligence in the first half, a credit to Joe Schmidt’s strategic approach.
Players like Rob Valetini and Will Skelton made a noticeable impact after missing the first Test. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, quiet in Brisbane, demonstrated why he is so highly regarded. Meanwhile, the Lions remained composed under pressure, with their half-backs directing play effectively. Hugo Keenan, who had battled illness early in the tour, delivered the decisive moment when needed.
A tour offers a richer, more layered experience than a single Test match. When a northern hemisphere team secures a series win in the south, it carries added significance. Until now, the Lions had secured only one series victory since 1997, making their accomplishment here more resonant than a one-off fixture against a visiting side.
This is also why some disapprove of the proposed Nations Championship, set to begin next year. Replacing traditional tours, the six leading European teams will face the top five sides from the southern hemisphere, plus Japan. For example, England will play August matches against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina in 2026, followed by November Tests against New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
At least one head coach of a major nation has expressed strong opposition. “I don’t like it at all,” he said.
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