The British & Irish Lions head into the weekend with a perfect 4-from-4 record on tour so far. However, this match presents their toughest challenge yet — a combined Australian and New Zealand invitational side featuring several players with international experience. Below, we preview the clash from a betting perspective and offer a few suggested punts.
British & Irish Lions
The Lions were tested again on Wednesday when they faced the Brumbies, who struck first and applied early pressure. But the Lions absorbed the challenge and pulled away to win 36–24, extending their unbeaten run.
They fell well short of the handicap of -32.5 and in their previous matches they beat the handicap against the Force and Reds but battled against the Waratahs.
This will be their final warm-up before the first Test against Australia next weekend.
Starting Lineup
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Ben White; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart, 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne (c), 6 Henry Pollock, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Owen Farrell.
Australia-New Zealand Invitational
This unique side is a blend of top talent from both Australia and New Zealand, featuring eight players with All Blacks caps and six capped Wallabies. While this will be the first time the team plays together, the calibre and experience within the squad ensures the Lions will face their toughest challenge of the tour so far. Expect a physical and high-intensity contest from a group of players eager to make their mark.
Starting Lineup
15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 AJ Lam, 13 Ngani Laumape, 12 David Havili, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Folau Fakatava; 1 Aidan Ross, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 4 Angus Blyth, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 7 Pete Samu, 8 Hoskins Sotutu.
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Joshua Fusitu’a, 18 George Dyer, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Joe Brial, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Jock Campbell.
Betting and Verdict
- British & Irish Lions to win: 1.14
- Australia–New Zealand Invitational to win: 7.00
- Draw: 34.00
The British & Irish Lions remain firm favourites after extending their unbeaten run to four matches on tour — as expected given the calibre of their opposition so far. However, this weekend marks a significant step up, as they’ll face a side packed with players who either have international caps or are on the cusp of that level.
The Invitational XV is likely to bring the physicality, skill, and experience needed to really test the Lions — something they haven’t encountered yet on this tour. I expect a much tighter contest than the odds suggest, and the Lions may have to dig deep to keep their perfect record intact.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Invitational [+13.5] at 1.85.
In two of the Lions’ four matches so far — against the Brumbies and Western Force — the second half produced more points than the first. While not exactly earth shattering stats I expect a similar pattern this weekend. With the high level of rugby on display and both sides stacked with quality, the first half should be tightly contested. But as fatigue sets in and defensive lines start to loosen, we’re likely to see more scoring opportunities after the break.
Suggested Bet: Highest scoring half – second at 1.90
Click here for all Invitational Australia and New Zealand v British and Irish Lions Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
