The British & Irish Lions are in line to face a New Zealand/Australia (ANZAC) combined XV during the Lions' 2025 tour to Australia.
The game would act as a precursor to the main three-test series, and would be the first of its kind since the 1989 tour to Australia, when the Lions finished their trip with a win against an ANZAC XV in Brisbane (Brendan Mullin was the sole Irish representative in the Lions XV).
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan spoke to the Daily Mail, giving an update on the situation:
"We've talked to the Kiwis about hosting an ANZAC team against the Lions in 2025 and they're considering the idea.
I'm in no doubt it would be a belter and we'd sell the MCG out with 100,000 fans.The best of the Wallabies and the All Blacks against the Lions would create enormous global coverage.
"All is good with the Kiwis now, we're friends again and we'd be happy to give them a cut."
Lions vs ANZAC?
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The popularity of the Lions tours has been on a downward curve over the last decade, and 2021's COVID series only served to weaken its status (the style of rugby played by both sides did not help either).
An ANZAC match would add interest and excitement to the Australia tour, which is generally seen as the least favourable of the three tours.
However, despite the indifference of many a fan towards the Lions, and an outward distaste for the tours, they remain the pinnacle of achievement for many players.
For may fans as well, the history, tradition, and uniqueness of the tours will never cease to excite, while they are also seen as the high-point in the career of a travelling supporter.
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