Wallaby legends Simon Poidevin and Matt Burke say the Australians must embrace the underdog status and apply unrelenting pressure to prove the doubters wrong.
British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson in Brisbane on Friday. Getty
Speed, sustained physical intensity and a laser-like focus. These are the attributes the Wallabies must bring if they are to beat a better-prepared, more experienced and heavily backed British and Irish Lions team in Brisbane on Saturday night.
That’s the view of two of Australia’s greatest former players, 1980s forwards leader Simon Poidevin and Matt Burke, who as fullback was part of the 2001 Wallabies team that became the first and only one to win a Lions series. Both believe the first Test in a sold-out Suncorp Stadium will be closer than many believe.
Andrew BurkeAFR Weekend editorAndrew Burke is the editor of AFR Weekend, based in the Sydney newsroom. He has worked at the Financial Times in London, the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong and reported from across Asia and the Middle East. Connect with Andrew on Twitter. Email Andrew at aburke@afr.com
