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'It would be a belter': ANZAC team could take on B&I Lions in 2025
By Finn Morton
Rugby Australia have “talked to the Kiwis” about having an ANZAC team take on the British and Irish Lions at the MCG during their 2025 tour.
The two fierce Trans-Tasman rivals haven’t combined since the ANZAC XV took the field at Ballymore, Brisbane, during the Lions’ 1989 series.
Seven All Blacks players were originally invited to take part in the match, including prop Steve McDowall.
Three New Zealanders lined up in the starting XV along with some Wallaby legends including David Campese, Michael Lynagh and Nick Farr-Jones who captained the side from scrumhalf.
In front of the Brisbane crowd, the Lions managed to win the historic encounter 19-15.
But speaking with the DailyMail, Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said New Zealand Rugby is "considering the idea", with the Melbourne Cricket Ground a potential venue for the blockbuster.
“We’ve talked to the Kiwis about hosting an ANZAC team against the Lions in 2025 and they’re considering the idea,” Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said.
“I’m in no doubt it would be a belter and we’d sell the MCG out with 100,000 fans.
“The best of the Wallabies and the All Blacks against the Lions would create enormous global coverage.”
This match would certainly interest rugby fans from all around the world, ahead of the traditional three-Test series between the Lions and Wallabies.
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Latest Comments
I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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