British & Irish Lions news: 2025 tour of Australia – Test series preview, betting odds and predictions
The highly anticipated start of the British & Irish Lions vs Australia Test series kicks off on Saturday, July 19.
But what are the intriguing talking points and potential match-winning moments, and who are the players that you should look out for over the course of the series?
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Aidan Leo previews the Test series Down Under, provides the series odds, and offers his predictions.
Players to watch – Lions
Dan Sheehan
A generational talent who consistently delivers in the biggest moments. Clutch, physical, and arguably the Lions’ best player.
Jamison Gibson-Park
The heartbeat of the Lions’ attack. His timing and creativity can flip a Test in seconds. If the Wallabies can’t contain him early, he’ll dictate the rhythm of the series.
Henry Pollock
A wildcard pick. He won’t feature in the first Test but has game-breaking potential that could reshape the series when unleashed.
READ MORE: British & Irish Lions news: Complete fixture list and opposition breakdown for Australia tour
Players to watch – Wallabies
Joseph Sua’ali’i
A showstopper. His flair and effortless athleticism can carve open defences and energise the crowd at any moment. The Lions will keep a close eye on him.
Tom Wright
A line-breaker from deep. Aggressive on the counter and a consistent kick-chase threat. He’ll test the Lions’ backfield.
Harry Wilson
Tenacious and unrelenting. A tone-setting number eight who thrives in the collisions and is the Wallabies’ inspirational leader who’ll look to throttle games late in the Tests.
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Betting odds
You can see the odds here.
Tour winner
Lions – 1/3
Wallabies – 4/1
Draw – 30/1
Series correct score
Lions 3-0 – 11/10
Lions 2-1 – 9/4
Wallabies 2-1 – 11/2
Wallabies 3-0 – 22/1
Series draw – 50/1
Top try scorer
Tommy Freeman – 4/5
Dan Sheehan – 7/4
(Wildcard pick) James Lowe – 9/4
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Personal predictions, best bets
Series score
The Lions bring cohesion, depth, and a battle-tested Irish contingent that likely helps the team grind out the first two Tests.
Best bet: Lions 2-1 @ 9/4
Strong value for the most realistic outcome, while still taking into consideration that the Wallabies have a chance to make it a close-fought series.
Wildcard punt: Wallabies 2-1 @ 11/2
High risk but decent value if the Wallabies can split the opening Tests and take advantage in the decider.
Additionally, if the Lions win the first Test and rotate heavily in the second, this bet may be worth its value if you predict that’s how the series will play out.
Personal prediction: Lions 3-0
Top try scorer
Sheehan is the clear front-runner. His absurd strike rate at Test level, particularly from maul control, makes him a strong candidate to cross the line plenty of times throughout the series.
That said, if Freeman holds onto his spot, especially ahead of the still-recovering Mack Hansen, he’s a sharp finisher with the kind of pace and precision to profit from a Lions backline on the front foot.
Best bet: Tommy Freeman @ 4/5
Personal prediction: Dan Sheehan
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Looking ahead to the Test series
Joe Schmidt has placed his faith in the local Super Rugby contingent, hoping this series sparks a revival for Australian rugby.
The first Test is critical, not only to change the complexion of the series but also their belief that they could actually win it.
Andy Farrell, in contrast, has gone safe.
He’s trusted Test experience and reliable operators for the opener, with creative threats across the backline.
His plan appears to be to secure the first Test, then call on his expansive arsenal for the second.
Expect names like Henry Pollock, Ben Earl, and perhaps Marcus Smith to feature in the backfield later in the series to hurt the Wallabies and put the series to bed.
This has been one of the most anticipated series all year. Expect high tempo, heavy collisions, and no shortage of flair and sensational tries and moments.
Bring on July 19.
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