Stuart Broad knows all about beating Australia in their own back yard. This summer, the British & Irish Lions attempt to do the same.
I’m not sure what it is about the British & Irish Lions. It comes around every four years and captures the attention of the sporting fanbase across these shores. Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of those fans who loves it!
I think it’s the tradition, the history, the heroes, the fact it’s every four years against rugby’s fiercest opponents, and that it’s four nations coming together at such short notice.
Let’s not forget, it was only March when Maro Itoje and Josh van der Flier would have been going into battle during the Men’s Six Nations. Fast forward three months and they’ll be standing side by side, arm in arm before a Test Match down under.
It’s a huge credit to the Lions as a ‘brand’, as well as to their management, that they can bring 38 players together at such short notice and get them all looking to achieve that one goal of winning a Series.
We don’t really have that in cricket. The franchise circuit does bring together rivals and make them teammates for a short stint.
Jacob Bethell sitting next to Josh Hazlewood in the Royal Challengers Bangalore changing room last month during the IPL is a good example, when this winter they could be on opposing sides in the Ashes, chasing Test cricket’s oldest prize. But — with respect — it’s not to the same intensity as the Lions.
Speaking from personal experience, you can never underestimate any Australian sporting team.
The players I’ve met over the years who have been fortunate enough to go on a Lions Tour all say it’s the most aspirational of career goals for any British or Irish player. It’s a career highlight. They make friendships and memories for life, and some of them have been defined by their Lions success.
Sam Warburton was an incredible Welsh leader, for example, yet somehow raised it further to iconic levels with the Lions.
We were playing at Lord’s on the Saturday of that famous third Test against New Zealand in 2017, when they battled to a draw, and I can remember the buzz in the crowd that day hours after the final whistle had gone, fans discussing what they’d just witnessed.
I love that photo of Sam Warburton and Kieran Read holding the trophy aloft together, the stage filled with players from both teams. A unique sight in sport!
With this tour, so much has been written and spoken about Australia in the last few years, that they’re not the force they used to be.
Speaking from personal experience, you can never underestimate any Australian sporting team. We never did, and you can see their form returning at the perfect time. In November they beat England at Twickenham, hammered Wales at the Principality, and came within a score of beating Ireland at the Aviva.
In Joe Schmidt they also have a man who spearheaded the start of this incredible Irish team on their journey, and someone who helped Lions coach Andy Farrell’s development.
On any tour of Australia, you’re also not just playing the fifteen opposition players (in this case) on the pitch, you’re playing a nation.
Rugby may not be quite as popular as it was twenty years ago, but for a signature event like this, watch the casual fan come out in their green and gold and cheer them on.
You’re also not just playing the fifteen opposition players (in this case) on the pitch, you’re playing a nation.
Any of the guys nipping out for a morning stroll in their team tracksuits to get a great Australian coffee — be ready for a friendly jibe, heckle or sledge! It adds to the theatre of it all, and the Australian media, I’m sure, will be fuelling the fire.
As I say, I can’t wait for the Tour. I’m a huge Andy Farrell fan, and I like the squad he’s picked to play over there.
All of the games starting at 11am in the UK is a shrewd move too. It will have fans on the edge of their seats. We may have a few clashes with the first delivery of the day during the India Test series here, but I’ll have one eye on Sky Go, seeing how Maro and his team get on.
I can see the Lions winning a deciding Test in Sydney on 2nd August to take the series 2–1. I couldn’t think of anywhere better to win a series than in Sydney! After the last tour was severely affected by Covid restrictions, I’m sure that iconic sea of red will be out in force, cheering the lads on! Good luck, guys!
The guys at Fitzdares have given me a £500 free bet pot to use on a selection of the major sporting events of my choice with all the profits helping to raise awareness and support for Motor Neurone Disease.
In total, I raised £2,992.50 across the past 12 months.
After a great run, here’s what I’m going for to try and keep the momentum going…
£125 Rory McIlroy @ 13/2
The Open Championship, 17th July — 20th July
£62.50 EW Tommy Fleetwood @ 20/1
The Open Championship, 17th July — 20th July
£125 British & Irish Lions @ 2/7
British & Irish Lions vs Australia, 1st Test, 19th July
£125 Lando Norris @ 13/8
Belgian Grand Prix, 27th July
Stuart Broad is Fitzdares’ Brand Ambassador.
