The new Anzacs: Plans for trans-Tasman rugby dream team to take on British Lions
Australia and New Zealand rugby chiefs are reported to be involved in talks to create a powerful, combined team of Wallabies and All Blacks to face the touring British & Irish Lions in a spectacular one-off in 2025.
Samisoni Taukei’aho of New Zealand scores a try during during the Rugby Championship match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Thursday, September 15. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour/via Photosport NZ)
Officials from all sides believe the best of the Wallabies and the All Blacks against the cream of British Isles’ rugby would be a massive attraction on the Lions’ visit to Australia, according to Britain’s Daily Mail.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan was quoted by the paper as saying: “We’ve talked to the Kiwis about hosting an Anzac team against the Lions in 2025 and they’re considering the idea.
‘I’m in no doubt it would be a belter and we’d sell the MCG out with 100,000 fans.”
It would not be the first time a combined NZ-Australia team have faced the Lions as it happened 33 years ago when the trans-Tasman side featured David Campese, Kieran Crowley and Michael Lynagh.
It wasn’t the attraction everyone had hoped for, though, as there were only three New Zealanders – Crowley, Frano Botica and Steve McDowell – on board after injuries beset the combined team, who ended up losing 19-15 in Brisbane.
The trans-Tasman Unions this time would doubtless try to make it as strong an outfit as possible.
“The best of the Wallabies and the All Blacks against the Lions would create enormous global coverage,” McLennan said.
McLennan was also reported to have said harmony had been now restored between the New Zealand and Australian unions and that the two sides could reach an agreement over revenue-sharing.
“All is good with the Kiwis now, we’re friends again and we’d be happy to give them a cut,” said McLennan.
