In Brisbane, Henry Pollock, a newcomer to the British and Irish Lions, is on a mission to elevate his status from fan favourite to a noteworthy international player. To that end, he has been travelling across Australia with a stuffed toy, which he seems to have adopted as his spirit animal, embodying the competitive spirit akin to Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath. As the Lions prepare for their first match against the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, Pollock set an ambitious goal, stating, “We want to come here and be the best Lions team ever.”
The Lions, known for touring Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa every four years, aim for a historic series victory. Pollock noted the significance of winning all three matches, a feat that the Lions last accomplished in Australia back in 1904. The team is aware of its legacy, with the 1974 squad lauded as one of the best, having won three Tests and drawn another in South Africa.
Maro Itoje, the Lions’ captain, echoed Pollock’s sentiments, emphasising that every match is a chance to win and that their primary focus is on the upcoming clash. This ambition aligns with their past successes, as evidenced by the aggressive predictions made by McGrath during his cricketing days, notably his bold 5-0 forecasts against England.
The atmosphere is undeniably charged, with Wallabies players like Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii acknowledging the excitement around the series while emphasising the importance of focusing on their own game. Suaalii pointed out the external chatter but stressed that the team’s priority is unity and internal focus.
Will Skelton, another Wallabies player, embraced the underdog label and highlighted a shared determination within the team. He expressed enthusiasm about showcasing their skills against the Lions, who are reputed for their formidable playing style. Skelton affirmed that the Wallabies are committed to performing at their best, demonstrating their readiness for the anticipated challenge.
With both teams brimming with ambition, the upcoming match promises to be an electrifying encounter as the Lions aim for dominance while the Wallabies look to assert their ground.