Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the British and Irish Lions, labelling their squad as “predictable and powerful.” The Lions’ coach, Andy Farrell—Schmidt’s former assistant with Ireland—announced a 38-player squad that will tour Australia from June to August, led by captain Maro Itoje.
Farrell’s selection includes a significant contingent from Ireland, with 15 players, alongside 13 from England, eight from Scotland, and two from Wales. Schmidt noted the depth and strength of this squad, hinting at the possibility of additional players being named as training cover. The Lions are heading into the tour as favourites, having triumphed in their last series against Australia in 2013.
In the lead-up to the tour, Schmidt expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety about facing a Lions team that thrives on both skill and tactical options. He anticipates that the Lions will focus on maintaining pace and creating opportunities, rather than reverting to a sheer physical approach to overwhelm the Wallabies. Schmidt believes their gameplay will reflect a strategy developed by the Irish team, emphasising quick transitions and exploiting space effectively.
Australia, ranked eighth in the world, prepares to face their first significant test against Fiji on July 6, while the Lions will play their first match against Argentina in Dublin on June 21 before heading to Australia. Schmidt is keen to observe the Lions’ style in action rather than solely analyse player names and stats on paper.
The Lions have a robust preparation schedule, with six games planned before their first Test in Brisbane on July 19. Schmidt appreciates the camaraderie within the Lions camp, reflecting on the enthusiasm players like Johnny Sexton and Ronan O’Gara display about representing the team. Though this squad features only 12 players with past Lions experience, Schmidt sees significant familiarity in their playstyle and team dynamics, particularly given the high number of Irish players included.
In preparation for the upcoming matches, Schmidt emphasises the importance of staying true to the Wallabies’ identity without becoming overly fixated on the Lions’ strategies. He aims to maintain a balance between preparation and ensuring the team doesn’t lose its direction amidst the external pressures of an intense rugby series.