British & Irish Lions Tour 2017

words by niall roeder

As you are probably well aware, the burly British and Irish Lions, a rugby union team made up of the top players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales is currently touring New Zealand. And they are here to win.

Having started in early June, the side that wages war on the southern hemisphere every four years (rotating between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) is now half way through its 10-match tour.

The previous tour was to Australia in 2013, in which the Europeans toppled the Wallabies 2–1. So far in the 2017 series, the Lions have taken down the Kiwi Barbarians, Crusaders and Māori All Blacks, and have been defeated by the Blues and Highlanders, in what were all quite torrid and niggly affairs.

The true tests are still to come.

In what is the pinnacle of the tour, the fiery Lions will come up against the mighty All Blacks three times over the next few weeks in what promises to be very entertaining games…. and when I say “entertaining”, I mean passion-fuelled battles of attrition-filled with bone-rattling hits and smooth as silk skills.

The second test will be played at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, only a short 5-minute drive from Qt Museum Wellington. It is guaranteed to be an absolute cracker, with the losing team from the first test looking to level up the best-of-three format.

Chiefs v Lions FMG Stadium, Hamilton Tuesday 20 June 2017 

All Blacks v Lions Eden Park, Auckland Saturday 24 June 2017

Hurricanes v Lions Westpac Stadium, Wellington Tuesday 27 June 2017 

All Blacks v Lions Westpac Stadium, Wellington Tuesday 27 June 2017 

All Blacks v Lions Eden Park, Auckland Saturday 8 July 2017