Excitement is mounting ahead of the British and Irish Lions squad announcement, with coach Andy Farrell set to unveil his selections for the highly anticipated June-August tour of Australia. The reveal will take place live on Thursday at 11pm AEST, in front of a spirited crowd of over 2,000 Lions supporters at the O2 Arena in London.
Adding to the anticipation, legendary player Brian O’Driscoll will provide insights during the event. O’Driscoll, an HSBC global ambassador, will also attend the tour, which encompasses three Tests and a total of nine matches in Australia.
In his discussions, O’Driscoll expressed admiration for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who made headlines by being named man of the match during his Test debut against England. Suaalii has showcased his talent by participating in all four Tests for Australia during the Autumn Nations Series and is now making waves as a fullback for the NSW Waratahs.
O’Driscoll praised Suaalii’s athleticism and ability to adapt defensively, likening him to other great players like Israel Folau. Despite his impressive performance, Suaalii’s tackling technique has come under scrutiny following a heavy collision with teammate Noah Lolesio.
As the Lions’ squad predictions circulate, many anticipate a strong Irish representation, reflecting Farrell’s successful leadership since he succeeded Joe Schmidt. Nevertheless, O’Driscoll noted that Ireland’s third-place finish in this year’s Six Nations could affect the number of Irish players chosen for the tour.
He mentioned that had Ireland performed better, the squad could have included as many as 18 or 19 Irish players. He affirmed that while the squad will likely remain Irish-centric due to familiarity and previous performances, the complexities of team politics could see players like England’s Maro Itoje injected into leadership roles.
Reflecting on his own experiences, O’Driscoll recalled the Lions’ victorious 2-1 series against the Wallabies in 2013, where he was controversially dropped for the final Test. He expressed joy in seeing the Lions succeed, noting that being part of the team isn’t the only measure of accomplishment.
With bookmakers favouring the Lions, offering $1.45 odds to win the series, while placing Australia at $2.50, O’Driscoll acknowledged the unpredictability of the upcoming matches. He stressed the importance of Australia’s determined spirit and their ability to turn up performances when least expected.
Looking ahead, O’Driscoll remains hopeful for a fiercely competitive series, believing that both teams possess the talent needed to provide thrilling clashes, especially under the guidance of capable coaches in Joe Smith for Australia and Farrell for the Lions.