- The blockbuster tour fixture can be held between first and second Exams
The Lions are in talks about going through a mixed Pacific Island XV in Melbourne subsequent yr, in a doubtlessly blockbuster tour fixture between the primary and second Exams in opposition to Australia.
Following the collapse of the Rebels franchise, which had been based mostly within the state capital of Victoria, officers from Rugby Australia and the Lions have been contingency planning to ascertain different opposition choices for the sport on July 22, 2025 at Marvel Stadium. Initially, there have been indications that an invitational facet can be created beneath the banner of Australia ‘A’ or Melbourne, based mostly on a squad of Australian gamers, however the focus has now shifted to an imported answer.
Mail Sport understands that talks have been on account of happen on Thursday in Paris, between RA and Lions board members, with the fixture change amongst a number of gadgets on the agenda. Sources have revealed that the most recent state of affairs being mentioned is for a Pacific Islanders crew to tackle the Lions – armed with main Take a look at gamers from every of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, topic to co-operation from the unions in these international locations.
The one potential stumbling block can be any reservations on the a part of Andy Farrell, the Lions head coach, about having to tackle such harmful, highly effective opposition simply 4 days earlier than the pivotal second Take a look at in opposition to the Wallabies on the MCG. However the Lions can have a big, high-class squad at their disposal and it’s unlikely at that late stage of the tour that many, if any, gamers can be anticipated to again up between midweek and weekend responsibility.
If the plans are duly agreed, the revised fixture is certain to be a box-office hit, amongst travelling supporters and locals alike. Fiji alone would offer a brutal and entertaining check, if they might name upon main lights reminiscent of La Rochelle flanker Levani Botia, rampaging No 8 Viliame ‘Invoice’ Mata and versatile backs Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova.
Andy Farrell’s Lions may face a star-studded Pacific Island crew through the Australia tour
Fiji flanker Levani Botia might be among the many gamers the Lions face in Melbourne
The final Lions tour passed off in South Africa in 2021 and they’ll head to Australia subsequent yr
On the final World Cup, Tonga have been capable of unleash a raft of superstars – some transformed from different nations – together with Charles Piutau, George Moala, Malakai Fekitoa and Ben Tameifuna. And Samoa had the brilliance of Saracens flanker Theo McFarland, together with ex-All Blacks Lima Sopoaga, Steven Luatua and Charlie Faumuina. If a high coach might be appointed to attract the three contingents collectively, they might be moulded right into a fearsome drive.
A Pacific Islanders crew was shaped to play matches in opposition to main opposition between 2004 and 2008, however the idea was deserted on account of logistical and administrative issues. When it comes to historical past in opposition to the Lions, solely Fiji among the many Pacific island nations have been granted a fixture – famously defeating the revered touring crew 25-21 in Suva in 1977.
In the meantime, officers Down Below are believed to be urgent forward with plans for a joint Australian and New Zealand facet to tackle the Lions in Adelaide on July 12 subsequent yr – seven days earlier than the primary Take a look at in Brisbane. Issues had arisen as many main Kiwi gamers are unavailable on account of an overlap with All Blacks and Maori All Blacks fixtures, however Mail Sport understands there’s confidence {that a} answer may be discovered which doesn’t contain a radical re-think.
This may occasionally contain the recruitment of not too long ago retired former All Blacks who’re nonetheless taking part in overseas – with famend figures reminiscent of Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane certain to be excessive on the officers’ wish-list. The crew, which can’t undertake the time period ANZAC on account of authorities laws, is prone to be an amalgamation of acquainted New Zealand veterans and fringe Australia candidates.
