EXCLUSIVE: ANZAC team in talks to take on the Lions in 2025

EXCLUSIVE: ANZAC team in talks to take on the Lions in 2025 with the Wallabies and All Blacks to join forces for the first time in 36 YEARS to stage the showpiece fixture in Melbourne

  • Wallabies and All Blacks are in talks about fielding an iconic ANZAC XV in 2025
  • Two heavyweights want to join forces to face the British and Irish Lions 
  • It’s hoped the game would attract a sell-out crowd at Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Wallabies and All Blacks have opened talks about fielding an iconic ANZAC XV against the British and Irish Lions in 2025.

Sportsmail can reveal the southern hemisphere heavyweights want to join forces for the first time in 36 years to stage the showpiece fixture.

The Trans-Tasman side last featured on the 1989 Lions tour, combining the likes of David Campese, Kieran Crowley and Michael Lynagh.

The Wallabies and All Blacks are in talks about fielding an ANZAC XV vs the Lions in 2025

Organisers hope the game would attract a sell-out crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, teeing up the three-Test series against the tourists.

Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan told Sportsmail: ‘We’ve talked to the Kiwis about hosting an ANZAC team against the Lions in 2025 and they’re considering the idea. 

‘I’m in no doubt it would be a belter and we’d sell the MCG out with 100,000 fans.’ 

With last year’s series in South Africa played behind closed doors, the hosts are hoping for a surge in overseas interest.

If negotiations are successful, the likes of Taniela Tupou and Ardie Savea could combine in a blockbuster XV.

It’s hoped the tie vs the Lions would attract a sell-out crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

‘The best of the Wallabies and the All Blacks against the Lions would create enormous global coverage,’ added McLennan.

Tensions have been high between the Australian and New Zealand unions recently, with McLennan describing them as ‘naughty boys’ during Super Rugby negotiations last month.

However, he insisted that harmony has been now restored and suggested that the nations could reach an agreement over revenue-sharing.

‘All is good with the Kiwis now, we’re friends again and we’d be happy to give them a cut,’ said McLennan.




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