British & Irish Lions news: Lions pass their hardest test so far against the Brumbies
This week saw the match-ups between Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions and the Australian franchises come to an end after a 36-24 triumph over the ACT Brumbies on July 9.
The Lions finished with a perfect record in these warm-up games.
The Lions now go on to face the Australian–New Zealand Invitational squad – which, despite being filled with some Southern Hemisphere stars, should be a much more disjointed squad, similar to a Barbarians-esque set-up.
So, with the Brumbies being the best Australian team in Super Rugby Pacific, what did Farrell and his coaches learn from this game, and the games against all of the other Australian franchises?
Here, Sports News Blitz rugby writer Jacob Garrett discusses the road ahead for Farrell and the Lions.
British & Irish Lions news: Player watch – Premiership, United Rugby Championship semi-finals
With three of four semi-finals across the English Premiership and United Rugby Championship involving constituent nations of the British & Irish Lions, several members of Andy Farrell’s squad for the upcoming tour to Australia had a welcome run-out in pressure matches.
Here, Sports News Blitz rugby writer Jacob Garrett reviews the weekend’s action and considers which Lions players put their hands up to start against Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies side.
Six Nations news: Four talking points from the third round
A brilliant weekend of Six Nations action saw Ireland claim the ‘Triple Crown’ and England finally beat Scotland to regain the Calcutta Cup after five long years.
Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Garrett takes a look at four talking points from the third round.
British & Irish Lions news: Andy Farrell should leave Finn Russell at home, claims Nick Mallett
Former Springboks head coach Nick Mallett has called for Scotland fly-half Finn Russell not to be included in the British & Irish Lions squad for the tour of Australia this summer.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott offers his thoughts on Russell’s potential selection.