When and Where
The opening Test of the 2025 series kicks off at 7:45 pm AEST on Saturday, July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. This marks the first Lions Test on Australian soil in 12 years, and the stadium promises a thrilling night under the lights.
Wallabies Form and Squad
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt insists his side can be competitive, setting a target to stay within a score deep into the final quarter. The Wallabies warmed up with a hard-fought 21–18 win over Fiji in Newcastle on July 6, though concerns remain over consistency and depth beyond their Brumbies core.
In a bold selection move, Schmidt has handed 22-year-old Tom Lynagh his first Test start at fly-half, tapping into his father Michael’s legacy but placing huge responsibility on a player earning just his fourth cap.
British & Irish Lions Form and Squad
Andy Farrell’s Lions arrive battle-hardened—stung by a 28–24 defeat to Argentina in a Dublin warm-up, they have since swept through five domestic tour matches in Australia without loss. Farrell has backed experience in the pack, naming Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry as his starting flankers alongside No. 8 Jack Conan, while Maro Itoje will captain from lock in search of that crucial early series advantage.
Key Battles
- Front-row duel: Wallabies’ James Slipper, set for his 144th cap and anchoring at loosehead, squares off against Lions’ Ellis Genge and veteran tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong in what promises to be a heavyweight scrum showdown.
- Breakdown contest: Australia’s dynamic back-row duo of Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight must counter the Lions’ relentless scavenging from Curry and Beirne to secure quick ball for their playmakers.
How to Watch
Coverage begins ad-free on Stan Sport from 7:00PM AEST, with Channel Nine joining live from 7:30PM. Kick-off is expected at 8:00PM at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
