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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.
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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.
Many have claimed it in the past but it's perhaps only now that it's becoming a reality… The All Blacks' aura is starting to fade – and that could spell trouble on their end-of-year tour. #AllBlacks #WALvNZL
?? Gregor Paulhttps://t.co/KVx14DkiUx
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 1, 2022
“I’m in no doubt it would be a belter and we’d sell the MCG out with 100,000 fans.
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“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.
Load of twaddle.
RA should get its house in order rather than promoting stunts.