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ABC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Wallabies' display against Fiji shows need to master fundamentals against Lions
It may not be the F-word some will be expecting to hear from the lips of a disappointed Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt when he addresses his players in the days following their come-from-behind win over Fiji. In the wake of the scratchy 21-18 victory in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon, Schmidt will stress the need to nail the fundamentals as the Wallabies prepare to face the British and Irish Lions in their three-Test series. This wasn't lost on the Wallabies themselves, only moments after the full-time siren. Almost without hesitation, both Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen answered "fundamentals", when asked by the host TV broadcaster what area of the Wallabies' game needed the most attention. In attack, the Wallabies crossed twice for what appeared to be tries, only for play to be called back because of forward passes. The first half saw several other inside-22 entries wasted by the home side, with an errant Tom Wright pass — intercepted by Fiji — and an illegal clean-out from Langi Gleeson among the blown opportunities. Fiji's two tries were also sparked by Wallabies' errors, with lazy turnovers and weak defence at fault. With the Wallabies leading 14-0 only seconds out from half-time, fly-half Noah Lolesio casually went to the air by chipping a low-hanging bomb that was picked off by Fiji's Josua Tuisova and Simione Kuruvoli. From 60 metres out, Fiji launched a stunning attacking movement, eventually finished off by Salesi Rayasi in the left-hand corner for the visitors' first try. Fiji's second five-pointer — scored by back-rower Lekima Tagitagivalu in the 55th minute — came from the Wallabies coughing up possession, in addition to missing tackles. The Wallabies were awarded a penalty inside opposition territory and chose to kick for touch, earning a line-out throw 10 metres from the Fijian goal line. But as the Wallabies established a driving maul from their set-piece win, they were penalised for obstruction, a reprieve capitalised upon by the Fijians. After kicking for touch and securing the ball from the line-out, Fiji went on the attack via a breathtaking run from winger Jiuta Wainiqolo, who beat four would-be tackles as he motored towards the line. The Wallabies' cover defence caught up with Wainiqolo, but he was able to get an offload away to Tagitagivalu, who touched down to send Fijian supporters into a frenzy. The conversion attempt was successful, propelling Fiji into the lead, which they didn't relinquish until Harry Wilson barged over for the Wallabies' match-winning try in the 79th minute. Fiji's brilliance with ball in hand must be highlighted when analysing its two tries, but the Wallabies were guilty of giving up possession far too easily and committing defensive lapses. They also dodged a bullet when Fiji reserve back Sireli Maqala had a try disallowed in the second half, while number eight Viliame Mata's knock-on in the 65th minute — 10 metres out from the Wallabies' line — gave the hosts another life when their backs were to the wall. To the credit of the Wallabies, they refused to give up as they trailed 18-14, and this is the sign of a team with character. They found a way to win when the match appeared lost, a positive Schmidt must acknowledge as his focus switches to the Lions Test series, beginning on July 19. The Wallabies aren't the only team needing to master the fundamentals. After three matches on their Australian tour, the Lions are yet to produce a polished performance, despite scoring more than 50 points against the Western Force and Queensland Reds. Poor re-starts blighted the Lions' tour opener in Perth, a 54-7 triumph, while their scrum was penalised several times in the 52-12 victory over the Reds in Brisbane. Missing a host of top-shelf players, the Lions were unconvincing in the 21-10 defeat of the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday night, with their attacking breakdown in need of much work. Waratahs openside flanker Charlie Gamble had a feast on the Lions' breakdown lapses, earning four turnovers in an impressive display. His teammate Darby Lancaster was also rewarded for his work over the ball at the breakdown, with the Waratahs given a second-half penalty after Lions winger Mack Hansen was pinged for holding onto the ball on the right edge. Given the Wallabies' Fraser McReight is one of the best "jackal" openside flankers in international rugby, the Lions will need to spend time sharpening their execution at the breakdown. Still, the Lions were without the likes of captain Maro Itoje and fly-half Finn Russell against the Waratahs, with both having the potential to add a point a difference to the tourists' play. They, like the rest of the Lions squad, would have seen enough from the Wallabies' lacklustre performance against Fiji to back their chances in the three-Test series.
Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Times
NSW Waratahs v British and Irish Lions live: score, commentary, updates
We need a bit more atmosphere at these games. It's all been a bit flat and friendly. Hopefully the more raucous travellers are on their way and up for it. A mild boo greets Mack Hansen's name, as it is read out by the stadium announcer. Not quite the thunderdome yet. We were chatting last night, our tourists, and realised that we have a month left in Australia (Will Kelleher writes). With the whirlwind start to the tour it feels like we've been here a month already! Two games, three cities, two sets of laundry done, and two 50+ point wins for the Lions. What state will they be in when they return to Sydney in the final week of the tour? Will we have a series winner already, or will it all be in the balance? There is so much left to go until that point, so many fascinating twists and turns. Let's just hope the Lions don't go three-for-three for horrible injuries against the Waratahs tonight. Not sure that it's up to the Lions head coach to tells fans to cut the 'nonsense' regarding the selection of Owen Farrell. Free speech and all that… The Waratahs' 2025 season has been powered by some seriously talented stars. Captain and powerhouse No8 Langi Gleeson has led the charge with dynamite performances, snagging Player of the Year honors. Young speedster Max Jorgensen has dazzled fans with his lightning pace and tryscoring flair, while former NRL ace Joseph Suaalii brings raw power and versatility when fit. Front-row beast Angus Bell has bulldozed scrums, and crafty centre Tom Banks has been a creative spark in midfield. But, as with all Lions tours, not all of them are available to take on the men in red tonight. So, the Waratahs will have to dig deep into their bench and rely on fresh faces to try and keep the Lions at bay — no easy task, but hey, that's rugby! In 2025, the Waratahs experienced a season of highs and lows, ultimately falling short of play-off contention. Under new coach Dan McKellar, the former Leicester Tigers main man, they began the Super Rugby Pacific campaign with promise, securing victories against the Western Force and the Brumbies, including a notable 28–23 win that ended a 13-match losing streak against the Brumbies. A standout moment came with a remarkable 102-metre team try in a 21–14 upset over the Chiefs. However, inconsistency marred their season. Heavy defeats to the Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, and a crushing 46–6 loss to the Blues dashed their playoff hopes. Despite these setbacks, the emergence of young talents like Max Jorgensen and the return of Joseph Suaalii injected excitement into the squad. While the season ended without finals qualification, the Waratahs showcased glimpses of potential that could bode well for the future. Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager. A couple of Ireland behemoths have been chatting before the game in Sydney. 'Everyone wants to put their hand up for tests but at the moment we just want a good team performance,' Tadhg Beirne, tonight's captain, said. 'We have shown massive improvement each week and the goal now is to improve on Wednesday. 'Maro [Itoje] is an incredible leader and player, it's no surprise the performance he's producing at the moment. If I can do half of what he does I'll be doing alright.' And also Josh van der Flier. 'It's been pretty busy, the first time since I was in school that I am playing three games in a week. A good few of us watched on Wednesday and there is definitely a bit of, not pressure, but expectation tonight to do the same. 'The Tahs are a very good set up, they will be well glued together after a season together. We had prepared for [Pollock injury], Andy had said at very start, it's the nature of these tours, backing up games, everyone was ready to fill in at any stage.' Pollock is a big draw card in Australia (Stuart Barnes writes). The expats of Paddington and Bondi Junction are mightily miffed at his late withdrawal. Oh well, at least he won't end up forcing me to change my writing plans and muse on the man of the moment…even writers need flexible plans. Like Finn Russell on the field. On the match: this is not a vintage `Tahs team and the Lions should be judged solely on quality of performance, not the result. Anyway, Kate, Mike, Ollie and Matt and his drinking buddies, sorry about Pollock… Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager. Andy Farrell has been shedding light on the Henry Pollock injury. 'Henry has a slight problem, nothing too serious,' he told Sky Sports. 'So we reshuffle back to a 5-3 bench. 'We are in the thick of it now, the games are rolling. We are hoping to see improvement. What does that look like? Game after game lads are stepping up. We got a reaction from the Force, and we want to see that again tonight. 'It's a special night for those three (Hugo Keenan, Ben White, Blair Kinghorn) and their families so we've got to make sure we do them justice. It's important that they show each other how collective they are as a group, trying to connect as a team.' Andy Farrell has told British & Irish Lions fans to cut the 'nonsense' around his son, Owen, having called him up for a fourth tour (Will Kelleher writes). Owen Farrell, 33, will replace the injured Elliot Daly, 32, who broke his arm on Wednesday against Queensland Reds and then flew home on Thursday from Sydney. Daly is the second member of the squad to be injured on this tour after the scrum half Tomos Williams tore his hamstring against the Western Force last Saturday. Farrell last played for England at the 2023 World Cup. He was roundly booed by fans in France as the furore over his pre-tournament red card for a high-tackle on Wales' Taine Basham in a warm-up game grew toxic. He suffered badly with his mental health at the World Cup and subsequently stepped back from Test rugby, having won 112 caps. In 2024 he moved to the Top14. ● Read more: Andy Farrell: No more nonsense — Owen is here to compete for Test place Please enable cookies and other technologies to view this content. You can update your cookies preferences any time using privacy manager. There are numerous reasons to question the selection of Owen Farrell as a replacement for the British & Irish Lions but nepotism is not one of them (Stuart Barnes writes). His father, Andy, probably considered the cons for longer than the pros. Three tours, six Lions caps and a ferocious determination to win all weigh in his favour. None of the factors can be lightly dismissed (and are not) but all of these unquestionable positives are historic. Take the past out of the equation, strip away the reputation and consider the present, and you are left with one of the most bewildering selections. The past season is impossible to ignore. Next to nothing went right in France for the former England captain, who was hampered by a groin injury. The impact upon a fly half with a propensity to kick a ball cannot be underestimated. Practice does not make perfect but it makes a bloody big difference. Guys with groin injuries cut back on their kicking. They also work less on their speed. ● Read more: Nepotism? No, but Owen Farrell call-up is delusional and defies logic Breaking news from Sydney: Henry Pollock has pulled out of the game with a tight calf (Alex Lowe writes). The Lions say it just precautionary. Tadhg Beirne moves to blindside flanker, Scott Cummings starts and the Lions have to ditch their plan for a 6-2 bench, with Duhan Van Der Merwe coming into the 23. That switch, while unfortunate for Pollock, gives the Lions more of a Test match balance because the guesstimate at this stage is that Andy Farrell will play a big lump at six. Ollie Chessum is in good shape to fill that role because he is in line to start against the Brumbies on Wednesday. There will be a groan around the stadium when this change is announced, though. The Aussie public are excited about Pollock. Not sure if you've heard, but apparently Andy Farrell has called up Owen Farrell for his fourth British & Irish Lions tour. Huge news if true! Amazingly, it has not been quiet acceptance that has greeted the revelation. Some people are mad for it, some have shouldered the responsibility of being against it. Here are just a few viewpoints… Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn and Ben White will all make their Lions debuts as Tadhg Beirne captains the side. Keenan was meant to start in Brisbane against the Queensland Reds on Wednesday but fell ill. Elliot Daly came in for him at the last minute but broke his arm and has gone home. Keenan has recovered to wear the No15 jersey for the Waratahs match, with Kinghorn named on the left wing — his position for Toulouse. Kinghorn arrived from Paris, having won the Top14 final last Saturday. Henry Pollock comes in to play No6 in a dynamic back-row alongside Ben Earl, at No8, and Josh van der Flier at openside flanker. Pollock has now started in all three back-row jerseys on this tour, proving his versatility. Ben White, who was an injury replacement for Tomos Williams, who was sent home after tearing his hamstring against the Western Force, makes the bench for the first time. Andy Farrell, the head coach, has gone for a 6-2 split among the substitutes with Marcus Smith the only other back. Before we get cracking with the details, let's remind you of the team news. Waratahs 15 Laweson Creighton, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Jack Bowen, 9 Teddy Wilson; 1 Tom Lambert, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 3 Taniela Tupou, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 5 Miles Amatosero, 6 Rob Leota, 7 Charlie Gamble, 8 Hugh Sinclair (capt). Replacements: 16 Mahe Vailanu, 17 Jack Barrett, 18 Daniel Botha, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Jamie Adamson, 21 Jack Grant, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Henry O'Donnell. British & Irish Lions: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Blair Kinghorn, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Finlay Bealham, 4 Tadhg Beirne (captain), 5 James Ryan, 6 Henry Pollock, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Ben Earl. Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Scott Cummings, 21 Jac Morgan, 22 Ben White, 23 Marcus Smith. Oh I love the smell of British & Irish Lions in the morning. G'day and welcome to The Times' coverage from Brisbane as the British & Irish Lions travel to Sydney to face the Waratahs in the fourth match of the 2025 tour and the third down under. We will have all the action from on and off the field with our reporters down on the ground in Australia. It should be a cracking affair.
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
British and Irish Lions star reveals the horror loss that's made him desperate to beat the Wallabies
Star utility back Elliot Daly says England were 'humbled' by the Wallabies last year and is determined to ensure the British and Irish Lions don't suffer the same fate. The Lions, made up of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, have been installed as hot favourites to defeat Australia in the upcoming three-Test series. The Wallabies have slipped to eighth in the world rankings and didn't even make it out of the group stage at the 2023 World Cup. But Australia have become a much more emboldened unit under master coach Joe Schmidt, their win over England at Twickenham last year evidence of that. An 84th-minute try to Max Jorgensen lifted the Wallabies to a famous 42-37 win in what proved to be the finest moment under Schmidt's leadership. Daly didn't play against the Wallabies on that fateful day at Twickenham, but he still remembers it well. 'They humbled us, and watching that game was pretty tough,' Daly said. 'It was one where we had control of it and lost it, so it probably hurt a little bit more. 'They showed the quality of a couple of their players in space and hopefully we can shut that down. 'The way they are playing the game is exciting and they have got some dangerous players.' The Lions begin their Australian tour with a match against the Western Force at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. And Lions players are already on notice after suffering a shock 28-24 loss to Argentina in Dublin last week. In the direct aftermath of that loss, Daly had a strong message for his teammates in the group huddle. '(There was) disappointment in the group,' Daly said. 'I just felt I wanted to say, "Lads, this is our first game together, it wasn't perfect and there is stuff we can work on, but we need to use this as a stepping stone for when we get out to Australia and get on the front foot". 'On this tour, with a game every four days, we need to bounce back quickly and take the positives and go to the next game.' Daly is on his third Lions tour and he was looking forward to lining up against a familiar face on Saturday - Western Force star Kurtley Beale. Beale played with Daly at English club Wasps in 2016-17. But Beale's hamstring injury at training this week means he won't get to face the Lions unless he can recover in time to line up for the First Nations and Pasifika side on July 22 in Melbourne. 'If he didn't get injured in that semi-final against Leicester in 2017 I think we would have won the title,' Daly said of his former teammate. 'He came at a time when we were playing attacking rugby and he slotted in really well. 'He is such a good lad to have around the group and is one guy you can always go for a beer with or a coffee and end up having a laugh.'
Perth Now
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Young gun Jorgensen ready and hungry to face Lions
After fearing the worst, Wallabies sensation Max Jorgensen has declared himself "100 per cent" ready to tackle the touring British and Irish Lions. Jorgensen has been sidelined since late March after falling victim to a hip-drop tackle and sustaining ankle syndesmosis in a NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington. The after-the-siren try-scoring hero of Australia's famous victory over England at Twickenham last November admits he wondered if he'd miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face the Lions when he first suffered the injury. "Obviously it goes through your mind. It's pretty hard when you get injured," Jorgensen said after being named in Joe Schmidt's 36-man squad for the Wallabies' season-opening Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. "You can't say anything until you get scans and stuff like that, so I sort of just hoped for the best and the scan turned out really well. "So, yeah, and look where I am now. So it's good." The series-opening Test against the Lions is on July 19 in Brisbane. Jorgensen is certain he will be ready. "Oh, yeah, 100 per cent," the 20-year-old wing wonder beamed. "I'm pretty much back to full fitness and playing games, so yeah. "I pretty much started full training this week, and last week, so am just getting back into it at the moment, but I can't complain. It's feeling really good." With coach Schmidt playing his cards close to his chest, Jorgensen has "no idea" where he ranks in the Wallabies' wing pecking order, or if he will feature against Fiji or be placed on ice for the Lions showpiece. Whenever, whatever, he just wants back on the park competing. "There hasn't been any discussions," he said. "That's all up to the coaches, so I don't think that's any of my decision. "I just want to play the game, 100 per cent. I play the game to play footy ultimately. I don't want to be just training and and in rehab. "It's not that good a place to be in but, yeah, I just want to play games." Despite his immense class and potential, Jorgensen didn't take his spot in the Wallabies squad for granted and said it was a nervous wait before receiving the phone call from manager Chris Thomson. "It's pretty nerve-wracking and stressful," he said. "I think most boys would say the same thing. You're always waiting for that call and you don't find out too early. You find out pretty late, so you're pretty nervous right up until the squad announcement. "And the Lions (series) is massive. It's a it's a once-in-a-career opportunity pretty much. They only come once every 12 years, so it's it's a pretty cool thing."
The Advertiser
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Young gun Jorgensen ready and hungry to face Lions
After fearing the worst, Wallabies sensation Max Jorgensen has declared himself "100 per cent" ready to tackle the touring British and Irish Lions. Jorgensen has been sidelined since late March after falling victim to a hip-drop tackle and sustaining ankle syndesmosis in a NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington. The after-the-siren try-scoring hero of Australia's famous victory over England at Twickenham last November admits he wondered if he'd miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face the Lions when he first suffered the injury. "Obviously it goes through your mind. It's pretty hard when you get injured," Jorgensen said after being named in Joe Schmidt's 36-man squad for the Wallabies' season-opening Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. "You can't say anything until you get scans and stuff like that, so I sort of just hoped for the best and the scan turned out really well. "So, yeah, and look where I am now. So it's good." The series-opening Test against the Lions is on July 19 in Brisbane. Jorgensen is certain he will be ready. "Oh, yeah, 100 per cent," the 20-year-old wing wonder beamed. "I'm pretty much back to full fitness and playing games, so yeah. "I pretty much started full training this week, and last week, so am just getting back into it at the moment, but I can't complain. It's feeling really good." With coach Schmidt playing his cards close to his chest, Jorgensen has "no idea" where he ranks in the Wallabies' wing pecking order, or if he will feature against Fiji or be placed on ice for the Lions showpiece. Whenever, whatever, he just wants back on the park competing. "There hasn't been any discussions," he said. "That's all up to the coaches, so I don't think that's any of my decision. "I just want to play the game, 100 per cent. I play the game to play footy ultimately. I don't want to be just training and and in rehab. "It's not that good a place to be in but, yeah, I just want to play games." Despite his immense class and potential, Jorgensen didn't take his spot in the Wallabies squad for granted and said it was a nervous wait before receiving the phone call from manager Chris Thomson. "It's pretty nerve-wracking and stressful," he said. "I think most boys would say the same thing. You're always waiting for that call and you don't find out too early. You find out pretty late, so you're pretty nervous right up until the squad announcement. "And the Lions (series) is massive. It's a it's a once-in-a-career opportunity pretty much. They only come once every 12 years, so it's it's a pretty cool thing." After fearing the worst, Wallabies sensation Max Jorgensen has declared himself "100 per cent" ready to tackle the touring British and Irish Lions. Jorgensen has been sidelined since late March after falling victim to a hip-drop tackle and sustaining ankle syndesmosis in a NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington. The after-the-siren try-scoring hero of Australia's famous victory over England at Twickenham last November admits he wondered if he'd miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face the Lions when he first suffered the injury. "Obviously it goes through your mind. It's pretty hard when you get injured," Jorgensen said after being named in Joe Schmidt's 36-man squad for the Wallabies' season-opening Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. "You can't say anything until you get scans and stuff like that, so I sort of just hoped for the best and the scan turned out really well. "So, yeah, and look where I am now. So it's good." The series-opening Test against the Lions is on July 19 in Brisbane. Jorgensen is certain he will be ready. "Oh, yeah, 100 per cent," the 20-year-old wing wonder beamed. "I'm pretty much back to full fitness and playing games, so yeah. "I pretty much started full training this week, and last week, so am just getting back into it at the moment, but I can't complain. It's feeling really good." With coach Schmidt playing his cards close to his chest, Jorgensen has "no idea" where he ranks in the Wallabies' wing pecking order, or if he will feature against Fiji or be placed on ice for the Lions showpiece. Whenever, whatever, he just wants back on the park competing. "There hasn't been any discussions," he said. "That's all up to the coaches, so I don't think that's any of my decision. "I just want to play the game, 100 per cent. I play the game to play footy ultimately. I don't want to be just training and and in rehab. "It's not that good a place to be in but, yeah, I just want to play games." Despite his immense class and potential, Jorgensen didn't take his spot in the Wallabies squad for granted and said it was a nervous wait before receiving the phone call from manager Chris Thomson. "It's pretty nerve-wracking and stressful," he said. "I think most boys would say the same thing. You're always waiting for that call and you don't find out too early. You find out pretty late, so you're pretty nervous right up until the squad announcement. "And the Lions (series) is massive. It's a it's a once-in-a-career opportunity pretty much. They only come once every 12 years, so it's it's a pretty cool thing." After fearing the worst, Wallabies sensation Max Jorgensen has declared himself "100 per cent" ready to tackle the touring British and Irish Lions. Jorgensen has been sidelined since late March after falling victim to a hip-drop tackle and sustaining ankle syndesmosis in a NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington. The after-the-siren try-scoring hero of Australia's famous victory over England at Twickenham last November admits he wondered if he'd miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to face the Lions when he first suffered the injury. "Obviously it goes through your mind. It's pretty hard when you get injured," Jorgensen said after being named in Joe Schmidt's 36-man squad for the Wallabies' season-opening Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. "You can't say anything until you get scans and stuff like that, so I sort of just hoped for the best and the scan turned out really well. "So, yeah, and look where I am now. So it's good." The series-opening Test against the Lions is on July 19 in Brisbane. Jorgensen is certain he will be ready. "Oh, yeah, 100 per cent," the 20-year-old wing wonder beamed. "I'm pretty much back to full fitness and playing games, so yeah. "I pretty much started full training this week, and last week, so am just getting back into it at the moment, but I can't complain. It's feeling really good." With coach Schmidt playing his cards close to his chest, Jorgensen has "no idea" where he ranks in the Wallabies' wing pecking order, or if he will feature against Fiji or be placed on ice for the Lions showpiece. Whenever, whatever, he just wants back on the park competing. "There hasn't been any discussions," he said. "That's all up to the coaches, so I don't think that's any of my decision. "I just want to play the game, 100 per cent. I play the game to play footy ultimately. I don't want to be just training and and in rehab. "It's not that good a place to be in but, yeah, I just want to play games." Despite his immense class and potential, Jorgensen didn't take his spot in the Wallabies squad for granted and said it was a nervous wait before receiving the phone call from manager Chris Thomson. "It's pretty nerve-wracking and stressful," he said. "I think most boys would say the same thing. You're always waiting for that call and you don't find out too early. You find out pretty late, so you're pretty nervous right up until the squad announcement. "And the Lions (series) is massive. It's a it's a once-in-a-career opportunity pretty much. They only come once every 12 years, so it's it's a pretty cool thing."
