Justin Harrison, the CEO of Australia’s Rugby Union Players’ Association, has advised the British and Irish Lions to let Australia handle its own affairs, as tensions have escalated with the iconic touring team.
Upon arriving in Perth this week, Lions CEO Ben Calveley quickly stirred the pot by insisting that Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt should release all his players for the scheduled games against the four Super Rugby Pacific teams.
For Saturday’s opener against the Western Force, the Wallabies have already freed up five players: Nick Champion De Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, and Nic White.
Carlo Tizzano and Ben Donaldson at a press conference in Perth. Getty Images for Rugby Australia
However, four other Force players—Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Carlo Tizzano, and Jeremy Williams—are training with the Wallabies in Sydney as they prepare for the July 6 Test against Fiji in Newcastle.
“The agreement is explicit; it states that Test players must be released for competitions leading up to the series. That is our expectation,” Calveley stated.
Nonetheless, Schmidt and Rugby Australia maintain that the agreement has more complexity, and they are aiming to find a balance.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt addressing the media. Getty
On Wednesday, Calveley and Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh were set to meet in Perth to further discuss the contentious matter.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies confirmed that centre Hunter Paisami and hooker Matt Faessler would be available to play for the Queensland Reds against the Lions in Brisbane next week.
Concerns remain that some tour matches could end up heavily one-sided, especially considering the Lions are currently grappling with their own challenges following a surprising 28-24 defeat to Argentina before arriving in Australia.
“It’s a bit of a poker game. The terms and conditions are already set, and the expectations for the tour are clear,” Harrison remarked during an appearance on Stan Sport’s Lions Central.
“I believe Joe Schmidt is more than capable of assembling a squad and gearing up for Test campaigns. Let Australia manage that side of things.”
“The Lions should focus on their plans and which players they choose to field.”
Harrison, a former Wallabies lock famed for his lineout prowess against the Lions back in 2001, expects the Force—who are viewed as $19 outsiders by the bookmakers—to put up a competitive fight at Optus Stadium.
“You don’t need sensational headlines to find motivation,” he stated.
“But a touch of extra spice is always welcome; expect some intense action right from the first kickoff.”
“They’ve poked the bear, and they’ve stirred the Sea of Blue that is the Force fan base. The spirit of all of Australia will be behind them.”
Stan Sport’s Nick McArdle suggested that the Lions might be attempting to divert attention away from themselves after their loss to Argentina.
The British and Irish Lions squad upon their arrival in Australia. Getty
“Yeah, it’s a bit like a tennis match,” Harrison commented.
“Everyone wants to label themselves as the underdog and keep the headlines alive—that’s part of the excitement of this rugby festival. There will also be a lot of opportunities to distract and unsettle others.”
“I believe the British and Irish Lions will be busy working on their cohesion as a team, focusing on their own game rather than fixating on what the Wallabies are up to.”
NEW PODCAST! The British and Irish Lions are greeted by enthusiastic fans upon their arrival in Perth, while the Wallabies get down to work in Sydney
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