Australia vs Lions Series Opener: Farrell's Lions Target Wallabies Victory

Australia vs British & Irish Lions: Test Series Opener Live
By Ed Carruthers, Nik Simon, and Chris Foy | Updated: 10:50 BST, 19 July 2025

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium erupts in a sea of red ahead of kick-off.

Brisbane Turns Red

With less than an hour until kick-off, Chris Foy reports a tidal wave of Lions supporters flooding Brisbane. Pubs along Caxton Street are packed, and the roar of British and Irish fans dwarfs the Wallabies’ gold-clad faithful. After a quiet start to the tour, the Lions’ arrival has electrified the city, setting the stage for a thrilling opener.

Lions Team: Scottish Core in Midfield

Andy Farrell names a Scotland-dominated lineup, with Finn Russell at fly-half alongside centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones. Captain Maro Itoje leads a squad blending experience and youth. Farrell urged caution, stating, “We know the Wallabies are dangerous. It’s about executing our plan when it matters.”

Lions XV: 15. Keenan; 14. Steward, 13. Jones, 12. Tuipulotu, 11. LRZ; 10. Russell, 9. White; 1. Sutherland, 2. Sheehan, 3. Furlong, 4. Itoje (c), 5. Beirne, 6. Doris, 7. Van der Flier, 8. Conan.
Replacements: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Chessum, Earl, Mitchell, Smith, Aki.

Wallabies star Joseph Suaalii preps with high-flying drills.

Wallabies’ Rocky Road

Injuries force coach Joe Schmidt to reshuffle. Debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny starts at flanker, while Tom Lynagh (son of legend Michael) steps in at fly-half for the injured Noah Lolesio. The front row sees veterans James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa, but powerhouse Taniela Tupou is absent.

Wallabies XV: 15. Kellaway; 14. Nawaqanitawase, 13. Suaalii, 12. Ikitau, 11. Koroibete; 10. Lynagh, 9. McDermott; 1. Slipper (c), 2. Faessler, 3. Alaalatoa, 4. Frost, 5. Williams, 6. De Crespigny, 7. McReight, 8. Gleeson.

Suaalii vs. Tuipulotu: Fireworks Expected

All eyes are on Joseph Suaalii, whose pre-game routine included meditation and explosive leaping drills. He faces a fierce duel with Australian-born Scot Sione Tuipulotu—a rivalry reignited after their clash in 2024. Tuipulotu, raised in Victoria, returns to unsettle Suaalii, who quipped, “See you next time” during their last encounter.

Inside the Lions’ Den

Lions gear up in the locker room ahead of the clash.

Farrell’s squad remains focused despite Australia’s injury woes. “There’s no overconfidence,” he stressed. “It’s about inner belief.” Meanwhile, Nik Simon reports a buzzing Caxton Street, with fans creating a World Cup-like atmosphere.

Kick-Off Approaches

Twelve years since their last tour, the Lions aim to start strong. The Wallabies, underdogs at home, are fueled by pride. As Farrell warned, “They’ll fight tooth and nail.”

Stay tuned for live updates and analysis.

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