Rugby Australia have reportedly floated the idea of a combined Australia and New Zealand side to take on the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
Off the back of a covid-19 hampered tour to South Africa, The Lions will welcome a tour full of fans.
Prior to the South African tour, the Lions were on a roll with a dominant series win in Australia being followed by a drawn all-time classic series in New Zealand.
In an ever-commercialised professional game, the need to get as many viewers interested in the Lions as possible is of utmost importance to their survival.
Therefore, tying in the rugby mad Kiwis could make the 2025 tour the biggest commercial success yet.
From a playing standpoint, the prospect of seeing the very best of Australia and New Zealand join forces is mouth-watering.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said,
“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.
“The best of the Wallabies and the All Blacks against the Lions would create enormous global coverage.”
The last time an Anzac XV last played together against the Lions in 1989, in that instance a host of Wallaby stars such as Nick Farr-Jones, David Campese and Michael Lynagh were joined by All Blacks Kieran, Frano Botica and Steve McDowell.
1989 Anzac XV vs British & Irish Lions
Ballymore, Brisbane
23 July 1989 (15-19) pic.twitter.com/9AssdcgiD9— APSM Rugby Channel 🏉 (@ApsmRugby) September 8, 2022
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