All Blacks and Wallabies could combine to take on 2025 British Lions
The Wallabies and All Blacks could make a very strong Anzac XV.
Leading All Blacks and Wallabies could combine in an Anzac XV to take on the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne in 2025.
The Daily Mail reports that talks between the transTasman neighbours are warming to the idea with a certain sellout crowd at the massive Melbourne Cricket Ground likely to see a significant amount of revenue generated for New Zealand Rugby.
The Lions tour Australia in 2025, looking to repeat their test series win their in 2013.
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An Anzac XV last played the Lions on their 1989 tour of Australia. It was the tour finale. After beating the Wallabies 2-1 in that test series, the Lions triumphed against the combined team 19-15 in Brisbane.
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“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 told the Daily Mail.
“I'm in no doubt it would be a belter, and we'd sell the MCG out with 100,000 fans.
“The best of the Wallabies and the All Blacks against the Lions would create enormous global coverage.”
Hannah Peters/Getty Images The All Blacks last played the Lions in 2017.
McLennan suggested recent tensions had eased between Australia and New Zealand as they battled over the financial split of Super Rugby moving forward.
That would likely see revenue-sharing for the lucrative Anzac XV match.
“All is good with the Kiwis now, we're friends again, and we'd be happy to give them a cut,” McLennan said.
Only three All Blacks – Kieran Crowley, Steve McDowell, and Frano Botica – featured in the 1989 Anzac XV along with leading Wallabies like David Campese, Nick Farr-Jones, Michael Lynagh and Simon Poidevin.
There was disappointment more All Blacks weren’t involved with 11 New Zealanders reportedly turning down invitations to play.
The Anzacs played in a black, white and gold strip.
The Lions toured South Africa last year, losing to the Springboks 2-1 in a test series played behind closed doors because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
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