The British and Irish Lions have set their sights on a remarkable achievement: a 3-0 sweep against the Wallabies in the upcoming Test series. Rookie back-rower Henry Pollock has expressed the team’s ambition to win all matches on tour and etch their name in history as the best Lions squad ever. This confident assertion echoes the bold predictions of Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath, who famously forecast a 5-0 victory in the 2005 Ashes series against England.
Pollock’s comments came after the Lions secured a commanding 48-0 victory against the AUNZ Invitation XV in Adelaide. The team arrived in Brisbane on Sunday, and Pollock revealed the collective mindset of the squad. “Whether you’re playing or you’re not playing, we’re all just trying to strive to be the best team we can be and get that 3-0 win,” he stated. “We want to come here and be the best Lions team ever. We’ve been talking about that loads and yeah, 3-0 is definitely on the table.”
The Lions aim to achieve a feat no touring team has accomplished since the inaugural tour in 1888. Although the legendary 1974 Lions team remains the only one to finish undefeated, they drew one Test against the All Blacks. The current squad is determined to break that streak and return home with a perfect record.
Confidence Amidst Rivalry
Pollock’s bold forecast is likely to serve as motivation for a Wallabies team that many have underestimated. While the Lions have largely adhered to a narrative of respect and caution, Pollock’s remarks may reflect a growing confidence within the camp. Fellow back-rower Ben Earl has also hinted at similar aspirations, emphasizing the goal of becoming one of the greatest Lions teams in history.
The Lions’ ambition is not without context. The squad is aware of the challenges they face, especially as they prepare to name their first Test side on Thursday. Notably, the lineup could include two players with Australian roots: winger Mack Hansen and inside centre Sione Tuipulotu. Hansen, although not starting in the stronger matches earlier in the tour, has impressed Lions coach Andy Farrell with his work ethic and game-changing abilities.
Tuipulotu’s potential inclusion may increase following a concussion suffered by Irish centre Garry Ringrose, which raises questions about team selection, particularly in the centre partnership with Huw Jones. Farrell acknowledged the quality of the “Huwipulotu” combination, noting they had performed well together. “I thought Hugh and Sione were very good so we’ve got a nice cover there,” he remarked.
Preparation and Strategy
As the Lions continue their tour, they have comfortably won most of their matches, despite some close contests against the Waratahs and Brumbies. Farrell addressed the preparations for the Test matches, asserting that the challenges faced in tour games have adequately prepared the team. “The games that we’ve had have been testing,” he stated, adding that the performances would inform their strategy moving forward.
With the first Test against the Wallabies approaching, the Lions are aware that they must balance ambition with performance on the field. As the excitement builds, the focus remains on achieving their ambitious goal of a clean sweep in the series. The matches will be broadcast live, offering fans a chance to witness the Lions’ quest for glory against the formidable Wallabies.
