The British and Irish Lions are eyeing a historic clean sweep in Australia, something they haven’t achieved since 1904. That three-nil series victory remains their last such feat on Australian soil. But the current squad, brimming with confidence, believes it’s within reach once again. Back-rower Henry Pollock, just 20 years old, boldly claimed this week that a whitewash is definitely on the table. Capturing the mindset of a Lions team full of ambition and momentum.
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However, their hosts are unlikely to roll over easily. The Wallabies may lack the depth and form of their northern hemisphere counterparts. They still boast key individuals capable of turning a match. Chief among them is powerhouse No. 8 Rob Valetini, widely considered Australia’s most world-class player. At just 26, Valetini has already secured back-to-back John Eales Medals.
The country’s top individual rugby honour, joining legends like Michael Hooper and Israel Folau in that exclusive club. Valetini’s presence on Saturday remains uncertain due to a calf injury, though the Australian camp is hopeful. Former Wallaby Toutai Kefu described him as one of the team’s most consistent and impactful performers over the past few seasons.
British and Irish Lions Face Stiff Test from Wallabies
We certainly need his brutality around the ball carrier and the defence, Kefu said, underlining Valetini’s importance in countering the Lions’ dynamic forward pack. Australia may look to use physicality as their key weapon to unsettle the British and Irish Lions' flow. Former Wallaby fullback Matt Burke has called for 140kg lock Will Skelton to start, even if just for the opening 50 minutes.
The bigger the better, Burke said, stressing that raw size could help level the contest. Skelton, who missed the recent Fiji Test with a similar calf complaint. Declared himself fit earlier this week and will be crucial if the Wallabies hope to contain the powerful Lions forwards. Meanwhile, much of the local buzz has centred on centre Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, the former rugby league star who impressed on debut last year.
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But the key battleground will be the breakdown, where Australia’s back-row featuring the top three finalists for this year’s John Eales Medal must hold firm. While the Lions are favourites, Australia’s forward strength, if fully fit, offers a fighting chance to spoil the tourists’ grand ambitions. As the British and Irish Lions prepare for their opening Test in Australia, they know the biggest challenge may come from a quietly resurgent Wallabies back row.
Harry Wilson’s Revival Fuels Wallabies' Hopes
While much of the spotlight has been on British and Irish Lions stars and their potential to replicate the 1904 whitewash. The hosts boast a wealth of talent in their loose forward stocks, arguably their strongest area of the field. Central to Australia’s hopes is No. 8 Harry Wilson, who was captain against Fiji just two weeks ago and scored a dramatic match-winning try in the final moments.
That performance marked a personal high point in Wilson’s steady return to form after being overlooked by Eddie Jones for the 2023 World Cup. Wilson's Reds and Wallabies teammate, scrum-half Tate McDermott, highlighted his relentless energy and physical presence. He’s quick off the ground, charges into contact, and constantly looks to carry the ball, McDermott noted. He consistently gets himself in the right positions.
Fraser McReight, also a product of the Queensland Reds system, has taken a similar trajectory. Dropped after the Wallabies’ shock loss to Fiji at last year’s World Cup, the 26-year-old has since re-established himself as a dominant force on the flank. Many in Australian rugby believe he is the natural successor to greats like David Pocock and Michael Hooper.
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Wilson–McReight Combination a Trusted Weapon
McDermott highlighted the years-long connection between McReight and Wilson as a crucial strength. That combination we’ve developed is something we trust, he said. The British and Irish Lions will need to be clinical at the breakdown to nullify this threat. Australia’s depth in the back row is one of the few areas that rivals the tourists’ power-packed forward unit.
Brumbies blindside Tom Hooper and Force flanker Carlo Tizzano were both named in the Super Rugby Pacific team of the season. Former Wallaby Toutai Kefu believes Waratahs No. 8 Langi Gleeson deserves to emerge as a leading contender. Gleeson’s 2024 season has been a standout. After being left out of a Wallabies training camp early in the year, the 23-year-old responded with improved fitness, work rate, and strong ball-carrying performances.
Though his upcoming move to French rugby casts doubt on his long-term Wallabies future, his current form demands attention. For now, the British and Irish Lions face an Australian back row brimming with form, chemistry, and motivation. A serious obstacle to their dreams of sweeping the series.
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