British & Irish Lions have landed in Australia and a Wallabies call has already sparked simmering tension

The British & Irish Lions just arrived in Australia and tensions are already simmering after Joe Schmidt’s big call about his Wallabies stars ahead of the much-anticipated series opener.

The British & Irish Lions have invaded Australian shores and there is already simmering tension between the tourists and hosts over Joe Schmidt’s plans to ring-fence top Wallabies stars from their Super Rugby clubs.

Lions boss Ben Calveley said Schmidt would be reneging on a contractual agreement made between the touring side and Rugby Australia, and warned they could consider taking action if players are not released for the Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs and Brumbies.

The Wallabies have said players will be assessed on a case by case basis, but Calveley said he would phone RA boss Phil Waugh if he considers the Super teams to be understrength.

The British & Irish Lions are chasing form and cohesion after a shock loss to Argentina. Picture: Getty Images

The blow-up has provided a dark backdrop to the Lions arrival in Perth for the start of their once-every-12-year tour of Australia, where players were warmly received at the aiport by fans, were invited to a welcome to country ceremony, while young star Henry Pollock carried around team mascot BIL the lion.

Schmidt is trying to balance preparations for the three-Test series – a number of stars are coming off serious injuries including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen – while releasing some players for their Super clubs, which will disrupt the Wallabies camp.

READ MORE: ‘No one could believe it’: Lions loss that sparked a Wallabies dynasty

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has put the Lions offside with one decision. Picture: Getty Images for Rugby Australia

Calveley said Australia must stick to the original agreement.

“We want to make sure our guys are battle hardened when it comes to that Test series against the Wallabies,” Calveley said.

“The agreement is very clear; it says that Test players have to be released to play in fixtures leading into that series. That is our expectation.”

If that doesn’t happen?

READ MORE: Why the Lions’ loss to Argentina is bad news for the Wallabies

Ieuan Evans and Ben Calveley of the British & Irish Lions address the media in Perth. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ll play the game at the weekend, and will carry on having discussions with Phil Waugh and their executive team and will take that step by step,” Calveley said.

“We are encouraged that we’ll see a strong side competing at the Optus (Stadium on Saturday).

“It’s really important that these games are competitive. It’s not just for a performance stand-point – the players do want to test themselves and build towards the Test series - but it’s also right for the fans, partners and broadcasters who are all expecting competitive fixtures, and for the rugby loving public. That would be their expectation as well.

“We’re clear that in the agreement it says that Test players do have to be released. We’ll move into the game at the weekend, and what comes after that we’ll deal with in time.”

British and Irish Lions' coach Andy Farrell signs autographs for a fan arriving at Perth International Airport. Picture: AFP

Meanwhile Pollock, 20, is tasked with looking after BIL for the entire six-week tour as the youngest player in the Lions squad.

The long-standing tradition requires him to bring BIL to all events and training sessions, while teammates do their best to misplace the fluffy toy.

Previous Lions tours have seen fines imposed for the player in charge of BIL should he go missing, ranging from financial to pranks.

Originally published as British & Irish Lions have landed in Australia and a Wallabies call has already sparked simmering tension