Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has expressed his admiration for Finlay Bealham, the prop who has stepped in for the injured Zander Fagerson on the British and Irish Lions tour. Fagerson, the Scotland tighthead, has been sidelined due to a calf injury, prompting Lions coach Andy Farrell to look for depth in the squad. Bealham, who was raised in Australia, now joins fellow Australians Mack Hansen and Sione Tuipulotu in the Lions setup.
Schmidt, who has coached Bealham in the past, described him as a talented player with dynamism and an ability to pose threats on the field. Despite this, not all opinions are favourable; Sunday Times columnist Stephen Jones has been critical of Bealham, suggesting he is not at the same caliber and labelling him “bang average.”
The Lions, featuring players from four nations, will face the Wallabies in a series of matches starting with a game against Argentina in Dublin on June 21 and concluding with three Tests against Australia in late July and early August. This series marks the 2025 tour of Australia, where the Lions aim to replicate their triumph from 2013, when they won a hard-fought series against the Wallabies.
Maro Itoje has been appointed captain for this tour, a prestigious role not held by an English player since 2001. Itoje, who has previously toured with the Lions in 2017 and 2021, expressed his pride at being chosen to lead the squad.
The Lions squad comprises a large contingent of Irish players, alongside a mix of English, Scottish, Welsh, New Zealand, and South African talent. As the British and Irish Lions have a rich history, their tours occur every four years to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The upcoming series against Australia is especially significant, as the Wallabies have experienced a decline since their last victory over the Lions.
The Wallabies’ squad announcement is pending, influenced by the outcomes of the Super Rugby Pacific finals, particularly concerning the ACT Brumbies. As excitement builds for the upcoming tour, rugby fans are eagerly anticipating the matches and the competitive spirit that the Lions and Wallabies will bring to the field. Tickets for the upcoming games are available, further encouraging Australian rugby enthusiasts to be part of this historic occasion.