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With the Lions Test series finally getting underway this weekend in Brisbane and the hype starting to build, let’s take a quick look at why the Lions should win the series.
1. Numbers. The Lions are made up of the best players in four separate nations. Registered players in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales number approximately 2.2 million (the majority in England), while in Australia the number sits at approximately 297,000.
This is an enormous difference and with the number of players at their disposal, the Lions hold a massive numerical advantage in terms of players to select from.
2. Battle hardened. The Lions players, though at the end of a long season, have only recently finished the Six Nations, while the last Wallaby Test was in December last year.
The Lions players will be more battle and Test hardened heading into the series. The lack of a warm-up game for the Wallabies wont help their cause either.
3. History. The Lions have a 75% winning record in Australia and have come out on top in six out of the eight series they have contested against the Wallabies.
4. It’s time. The last Lions series win was 16 years ago in South Africa. Surely the pride of the Lions will drive them towards another famous series win.
5. The coach. Gatland has proved himself a master operator in his time with Wasps, Waikato and Wales. He knows his players and has the full support of the team, media and fans, which is something his Wallaby counterpart can only dream of!
6. Home away from home. The Lions are reported to be bringing a 30,000 strong traveling army with them to Australia. This is in addition to the hundreds of thousands of expat British and Irish who now call Australia home. The stadiums will be a sea of red!
7. Depth. The Lions have bought a squad of almost 40 players, all of whom are experienced Test campaigners. Yes, an injury to a frontline player will still hurt, though it helps that the injured player can be replaced with another proven Test player. Australia on the other hand…
8. Goal-kicking. Whether is it Halfpenny, Sexton or Farrell, they will make the Wallabies pay if points are offered up.
9. Experience. O’Driscoll, O’Connoll and Adam Jones are names that immediately spring to mind. These guys have been there done that and will realise that this is their last chance on a Lions tour. Experience is key in big Test match rugby. The Lions have the edge there.
10. Scrum. Northern Hemisphere rugby is built around the scrum. Expect the Lions to win cheap penalties from Australia and bang over the points (see point 8).
11. Loose forwards. In Croft, Heaslip, Lydiate, Warburton and Faletau the Lions have more talent, depth and experience then the Wallaby loose trio. This could prove decisive especially in the absence of Pocock and George Smith.
12. Fly half. Lions have two, Australia has none.
13. Desperate Deans. The coach is not known for his man management or sharing of responsibility. Should the Lions win the first Test, it could all implode.
14. Midfield. The Lions are stacked with international talent in the midfield. Ashley Cooper’s in great form for the Wallabies but there is a dearth of talent behind him, and at inside centre they are particularly weak and vulnerable.
Expect the Lions to target the midfield as an area of weakness for the Wallabies.
15. Survival. The Lions need to win the series for their side and everything they represent to continue to flourish in the professional era. Another series loss will seriously impact upon their credibility. They will be absolutely desperate to win. Will the Wallabies have the same level of desperation?
Will the Lions roar? Will Deans survive? Should Quade have played?
All will be revealed on Saturday and the following two thereafter…
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.