The British and Irish Lions have a proud history that reaches back to 30 July 1891 when they played their inaugural match against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth. The Lions is a touring team with regular tours to South Africa, New Zealand and Australia every four years. They have officially only played one home match ever, which they drew 25 all against Argentina at the Millenium Stadium in 2005.
In the 122 years of their existence, the Lions have played a total of 105 tests. These fixtures delivered 38 wins, 57 losses, and 10 draws. The majority of their victories came in the first half of their existence, which is highlighted by the following stat: to go back ten victories for the Lions, you have to go as far back as 1974.
Australia has however proven to be a happy hunting ground for the British and Irish Lions. Since their first game in 1899, they have managed to beat the Wallabies 15 times in 20 encounters. They have lost 5 matches to the Wallabies and never drew a match with the Aussies. The average final score for matches between these two teams is 17-10 in the favour of the Lions.
The Lions of 2013 have a formiddable squad and an excellent coach. They have some of their most talented players in years. However, I believe that history will change with this tour. The Aussies most certainly have the personnel to beat the Lions. I reckon that the Lions will dominate in the tight five but the Australians have the looseforwards to match or eclipse their Northern Hemisphere counterparts. The halfback pair of Genia and O’Connor are in my mind superior to that of Mike Phillips and Owen Farrell. I believe that they are fairly evenly matched in the centres but it is the Wallabies that boasts with the classiest outside backs.
Irrespective of who wins, this is sure to be a brilliant series. I guess the only challenge for me will be to decide who I will support!
Previous tour results:
14 July 2001: Australia wins 29-21 in Sydney
7 July 2001: Australia wins 35-14 in Melbourne
30 June 2001: Lions win 29-13 in Brisbane
Tweet
Aussies will klap them 3 – love!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 1) : Looks like you have picked your side! I think you might be right though, the Aussies are playing good rugby at the moment.
Im seriously jealous of the Aussies hosting them. My favourite touring team.
@King Shark (Comment 2) :
I won’t support the Aussies, just think they are going to win the series..
Aren’t they 125 years now? Started 1888?
Lions to win 2-1.
Ozzies to take this, but a part of me wants the Lions to win
I hope the Lions win.
It’s not about who I support but about who I hate the least so I hope the Lions win!
Reckon the Lions have this covered. Its a very strong Lions team.
Lest we forget that when they last visited SA shores we were, how can I say it, rather fortunate to win the series.
Now they have a different coach, some of the younger players have come through the ranks and their tight five is monstrous.
Anyway, ABA in my book…
Lions loose 3 – 0
@BoerSeun (Comment 11) :
I think you might a bit loose in the head my brew – if the might of South Africa couldnt beat the Lions 3-0, how the hell do you expect the shackledraggers to do it?
@VinChainSaw (Comment 12) : Lions to win it 2-1.
There it is! I knew there was at least one person in the world who would think that the Lions would start with Farrell instead of Sexton! 😆
Just hoping for a good series and performances from the Scottish players, otherwise the Aussies can have their way with them. 😈
First win for the Lions coming up.
Lions 10-0
10min
25 min stil 10 – 0
17-3
35min
27 – 3 Half Time
34-3
34-10
41-10
48-10
55-17
62-17
69-17
69-17 Full time
I forgot the Sunday superugby match, no wonder the Force played with many 2nd stringers resting top players. Being so low on the log, who cares about superugby when you don’t often play the Lions?