Test rugby LIVE: Wallabies and Lions lock horns as historic series begins We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later. DismissSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footer Our network Open NavigationMenu Brisbane Times Brisbane Times Search Site Show subsections Western Australia Show subsections Bulls N' Bears The economy Banking & finance Small business Show subsections North America Middle East South America Show subsections Western Australia Show subsections Show subsections Rugby union Show subsections Tips & advice Show subsections Art & design Live reviews Show subsections Health & wellness Life & relationships Show subsections Destination guides Inspiration Reviews & advice Travel news Good Weekend Sunday Life Show subsections Super & retirement Planning & budgeting Environment Show subsections Conservation Climate change Sustainability Show subsections Video games The Sydney Morning Herald Brisbane Times The Australian Financial Review Commercial Real Estate Advertisement Rugby Union Test rugby LIVE: Wallabies and Lions lock horns as historic series begins By Tom Decent, Iain Payten and Jonathan Drennan Updated July 19, 2025 — 7.21pmfirst published at 6.59pm Log in, register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Latest posts Latest posts How the teams look ahead of kick-off No late changes at the moment. Wallabies fans are outnumbered By Jonathan Drennan I have been lucky to watch rugby all over the world and I have never seen so much en masse concentrated support like the Lions today in Brisbane. I was in New Zealand in 2017 to watch the Lions and it was nothing like this. Caxton Street has been packed since this morning and every corner of the city is filled by red Lions jerseys with the odd pocket of gold. The Wallabies are outnumbered with fans and on the form book, with few people giving them any chance after ill-timed injuries to Noah Lolesio, Rob Valetini and Will Skelton. As ever in sport, there are shocks and this Wallabies team marshalled by Joe Schmidt are capable of causing them. Referee Ben O’Keefe gave out 16 penalties against the Force, and none against the attacking team. He also isn’t a great rewarder of jackalers, so Fraser McReight will need to do everything strictly by the book tonight. Tom Lynagh makes his starting debut in the city where his father Michael is still a legend. What it’s like inside Suncorp Stadium The three of us are perched high in the stands at Suncorp Stadium. A lot of empty seats at the moment but don’t stress. They’re all in the nearby pubs. The Caxton Hotel was absolutely rammed when I walked past about an hour ago. Beer garden flowing. Lots of gold and red. Great to see. Michael Hooper and Tim Horan filmed their opener for Stan Sport down Caxton Street and it was heaving. Both teams out in the middle warming up. Lions won the toss and will kick to the Wallabies. How’s the mood? Aussie fans nervous. They want it to be close but everyone knows this could be a car crash. We shall see. Len Ikitau warms up at Suncorp Stadium. Credit: Getty Images Allan Alaalatoa needs a big game tonight. Credit: Getty Images Advertisement Expert tips The big day is here folks G’day rugby fans. The big day is here. Welcome to our live coverage of tonight’s opening Wallabies and British and Irish Lions clash in Brisbane. It’s Tom Decent in the blogging chair, right in the thick of the action at Suncorp Stadium. Cannot wait. Beside me is the great Iain Payten and equally great Jonathan Drennan to take us through tonight. Their work has been first-class throughout series. The real fun is about to begin though. Kick-off is at 8pm AEST. Get in contact with any questions or let us know if you’re at the ground! British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson in Brisbane on Friday.Credit: Getty Most Viewed in Sport Advertisement Back to top Brisbane Times Brisbane Times The Sydney Morning Herald The Australian Financial Review Classifieds Commercial Real Estate Brisbane Times Contact & support Advertise with us Newsletters Accessibility guide Photo sales Content licensing Work with us Terms of use Privacy policy Press Council Charter of Editorial Independence AI Editorial Guidelines Products & Services Subscription packages Subscriber FAQs Copyright © 2025