Australia is set to face Fiji at home for the first time since 2017 as they prepare for the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions tour.
The Wallabies will take on the Flying Fijians in Newcastle on Sunday, 6 July, marking their only warm-up match before the three-Test series against the Lions. The game will be held at McDonald Jones Stadium, a venue where Australia has played just twice before, adding another layer of significance to the encounter.
The British & Irish Lions tour is one of rugby’s most prestigious and historic events, taking place every four years and featuring a team made up of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The 2025 edition will see the Lions head Down Under for a three-Test series against the Wallabies, reigniting a rivalry that has produced some unforgettable moments in rugby history.
Given the magnitude of the fixture, many fans of both the Wallabies and the Lions will be placing wagers on their teams to add an extra layer of excitement to one of the most anticipated series of the year. The Lions enter the series as favorites with the current odds sitting at 1.53 to win according to most new betting sites not on GamStop UK, while Australia trails at 2.63, according to Betfair. However, despite being the underdogs, the Wallabies will have home advantage, which may lead many fans to wager on Australia pulling off an upset.
The last time the Lions visited Australia in 2013, they claimed a 2-1 series victory, with the decisive third Test in Sydney ending in a commanding 41-16 win for the visitors. With the Lions' reputation for physically demanding, high-stakes rugby, the Wallabies will be looking to sharpen their squad with a competitive fixture against a strong opponent in Fiji.
Fiji’s visit to Australia marks their first match on Australian soil since 2017, a significant milestone for the Pacific Island nation, which has continued to grow as a rugby powerhouse. The last encounter between Australia and Fiji took place during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where Fiji impressed many with their performances, narrowly losing to England in the quarter-finals but managed to secure historic victories over Wales and Australia. Their aggressive, free-flowing style, built on physicality and flair, makes them a tough opponent for any team, and Australia will need to be prepared for the challenge.
The selection for this match will be closely watched, as both teams will be keen to field competitive line-ups that reflect their ambitions for the year. The Wallabies’ coaching staff will be looking for standout performances from key players who will be expected to step up in the Lions series, while Fiji will aim to showcase their evolving squad and demonstrate why they are increasingly seen as a force in world rugby.
Historically, the Wallabies have dominated head-to-head clashes against Fiji, holding a 22-2 record across 25 Tests, with one match ending in a draw. However, Fiji's recent success and growing reputation on the international stage suggest they are more than capable of challenging top-tier teams. Their victory over Wales and Australia in November 2023 highlighted their ability to compete with Tier 1 nations, and they will be looking to use this match as an opportunity to build momentum for their own upcoming fixtures.
For Australia, this fixture serves as a crucial test of their squad depth and readiness ahead of the Lions series. The Wallabies have undergone a period of transition following a disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign, and this warm-up match will provide head coach Joe Schmidt with a chance to refine combinations, assess new talent, and build cohesion within the team. Given the physical nature of Lions rugby, facing Fiji offers a valuable opportunity to prepare for the intensity and unpredictability that awaits in the upcoming Test series.
As the first Lions Test approaches, this match will be a crucial test for Australia. A strong showing against Fiji could build momentum ahead of one of rugby’s most anticipated events. Meanwhile, Fiji will look to prove themselves again. The battle in Newcastle promises an intense contest, setting the stage for the 2025 Lions tour.
