Why the Wallabies rate a win over Fiji as more important than beating British and Irish Lions

This might come as a rude shock to the one-eyed British and Irish Lions supporters, but the Wallabies’ clash with Fiji is arguably the most important match Joe Schmidt’s men will play this winter.

Angus Bell is tackled by Fiji’s Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta. Picture: Getty Images

This might come as a rude shock to the British and Irish Lions and their one-eyed supporters who think the global game revolves around them, but the Wallabies’ clash with their tiny Pacific island neighbours Fiji next weekend is arguably the most important match Joe Schmidt’s men will play this winter.

While the Home Nations of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland will be aghast at the thought because they have been brainwashed into believing Lions tours are the pinnacle of rugby, every other country recognises that the World Cup is the sport’s premier event.

This is especially true for Australia, which is hosting the next World Cup in 2027. As much as beating the Lions would be a major achievement for the Wallabies, there’s not a player or fan in the world who would trade the immortality of winning the World Cup for the sugar hit of a Lions series win.

And that’s why next weekend’s match between Australia and Fiji is so critical.

Fiji defeated Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

With the all-important seedings for the 2027 World Cup to be decided on the world ranking standings in December, the next five months is make or break time for the Wallabies, who are currently right on the cusp of being included - or missing out - on being one of the top seeded teams.

The final rankings will be decided by a points table from head to head matches since the last World Cup. Because the Lions are a composite side of four teams, matches against them don’t carry any points.

But next week’s fixture against Fiji certainly does and is pivotal to both teams because they are so close on the table. Australia is currently eighth with Fiji ninth but they would immediately swap places if the Fijians won on the weekend.

While the Wallabies can’t pick up any ranking points against the Lions, the Fijians are scheduled to play Scotland - ranked seventh - a week later, making it even more important that the Wallabies win.

The Wallabies have all been made aware of just how important their next match is, particularly after losing to the Pacific Islanders at the 2023 World Cup.

Tom Hooper in action for the Wallabies. Picture: Getty Images

That’s one of the reasons Schmidt isn’t releasing his best players to the state teams playing warm-ups against the Lions.

While the tourists think it’s all about them - and have been moaning endlessly about why they think they deserve preferential treatment - the Wallabies have been paying little attention to them after relocating to Newcastle to prepare for Fiji.

“The biggest message has probably been just keeping the standard that we finished with last year,” backrower Tom Hooper said.

“Obviously you don’t want to come in and blow out the ring rust. You want to make sure you’re coming in and picking up exactly where you left off from.

“And to be honest, I reckon we probably have. So that gives us a good foundation to grow up on.”

The Wallabies did sit down together to watch the Lions’ opening tour match against the Western Force on television, but with the first Test still three weeks away, no-one is getting up in the Lions’ sense of self-importance.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has made clear his priorities. Picture: Getty Images

Schmidt still hasn’t even finalised his squad for the Lions, picking an expanded 36-player roster for the Fiji game that will be reduced to 23, before a fresh squad is picked for the Lions.

A master of mind games who gives little away, Schmidt also hasn’t announced his choice of captain yet, though he will have to reveal his skipper - or skippers - when the team to face Fiji is announced on Friday.

The Fijians have also been keeping their selections under wraps after arriving in Newcastle, but did suffer one late setback when prop Luke Tagi was ruled out with an ankle injury he sustained while playing club rugby in France. He’s been replaced by Samu Tawake.

“Luke is an important part of our squad, and his presence will be missed during the upcoming matches,” Fiji coach Mick Byrne said.

“However, his long-term health and recovery are our top priorities. We’re confident he’ll receive the best possible care in France and look forward to seeing him back at full strength in the future.”