It seems like a lifetime ago, but the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia in 2025 was an all-time record.
It had it all: fans who drank whole towns dry while befriending the locals, top-notch midweek games including a near-giant disappointment from the Pasifika/Indigenous team, and a Test series so full of drama that even Hollywood writers nodded in approval.
The Wallabies pose for a photo ahead of their match against Ireland. Getty
Yes, a lifetime ago… and although the Lions are not here, Ireland is.
Their coach Andy Farrell has swapped out the red British and Irish Lions kit for a green one and there are plenty of familiar faces in the Irish center too. Bundy Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Lions series leading scorer Hugo Keenan are back in town.
If their top three in the world rankings isn’t enough to make them favorites, there’s also a growing army of Guinness-fuelled Irish fans everywhere in Sydney. The latest ABS census shows the port city is home to more than 22,000 people of Irish descent, most of whom live in the Gibson Park box from the Allianz Stadium. Coogee County… Coogee Downs. You get the picture.
Yes, Ireland are legitimate favorites to win the first Nations Championship game on Saturday night, although this Wallabies team has some real stuff in their bag too.
Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt was able to select his squad for the match from a wider group of players who are fit and ready to go. With the exception of 145-pound enforcer Will Skelton, everyone is ready.
It is important to note that Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper, Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou returned from the northern hemisphere not only healthy, but also with an enhanced reputation as some of the best players in Europe.
Ikitau and Hooper were welcomed with open arms by Exeter Chiefs and made their British rugby family proud by helping them reach an incredible premiership grand final. Ikitau’s unloading has been taken to the next level and Hooper looks even bigger and angrier on contact.
Bell enjoyed an equally successful career with Irish club Ulster, which he said he enjoyed and described as “incredible”. He also helped Ulster reach the Challenge Cup final and scored the try of the year at the United Rugby Championship.
Conversations around Tupou are harder to understand as they are all in French, although Stan Sport colleague Morgan Tourinui, who is a bit of a French enthusiast, tells me Tupou’s time with Racing 92 has been impressive.
So this is a strong Wallabies team that can certainly close out the game with Tupou and James Slipper coming off the bench along with Tate McDermott.
Another point worth noting is Schmidt’s intimate knowledge of a number of the players he coached during his time as Ireland manager. Schmidt has led a number of his Sydney Football Stadium rivals to world No. 1 rankings, meaning he knows the ins and outs of the players in green.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt addresses the media. Getty
Finally, the style of play that both coaches are aiming to implement will be exciting. All signs point to this being a high-scoring Test match. The weather promises to be excellent, with a cold westerly wind blowing.
Club tournaments around the world in 2026 have shown that those teams that “spin the ball”, especially in three phases of play or on counter-attacks, have won almost all the trophies.
As well as player readiness, match instructions for World Rugby officials are full of detail. Here are links to game speed.
– Speed - a fast ball that allows you to fight for possession of the ball.
– The tackler must immediately release the ball and walk away (must not affect the tackler’s clearing)
– Assistance to the player performing the tackle: clear release of the ball with both hands and inadmissibility of the ball coming off the ball.
– Jackler – enter legally, supporting your weight, keeping your hands on the ball and lifting
Irish stars Bundy Aki (left) and Sean Jansen on Sydney Harbor in June. Getty
– Player with the ball – one immediate movement to serve/release the ball.
– Arrivals – enter the square from your side and “ride, don’t dive.”
– Ruck players – entry allowed, on feet, “ride, don’t swing” and cannot play 9.
So it all makes for an outstanding premiere in Sydney.
The algorithm may pick Ireland, but I think this Wallabies team can beat them in the Alliance.
It’s set up like a barn burner.
Players to watch
Wallaby
#9 Ryan Lonergan
The Brumbies scrum-half was recently named Aussie Stan Sport Pacific Super Rugby Player of the Year following several impressive all-around performances. Lonergan will earn a rare gold start this weekend and will arguably be the most important player on the pitch for the home team. Can manage the team well with accurate kicking, has a fast serve, goal kicks and can try to sneak.
New Wallabies halfback Ryan Lonergan has had a great season in Super Rugby. Getty Images
Ireland
#10 Sam Prendergast
The 23-year-old Leinster midfielder has become one of the most talked about players in Ireland recently. Coming in, then out and back in the national team, Prendergast is extremely talented and has a huge arsenal of attacking weapons. If he joins Gibson Park, the visitors will easily get points.
Exact numbers
Australia are unbeaten in their first Test of the year since 2020. Five wins, one draw.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell has won five of his last six Tests against Australia.
Max Jorgenson became the Wallabies’ leading scorer in 2025.
Ireland finished second in the 2026 Six Nations and averaged four tries per game.
It has been more than 1100 days since Wallabies fullback Jock Campbell last played for Australia.