- Tuesday 25
- Wednesday 26
- Thursday 27
- Friday 28
- Saturday 29
- Sunday 30
- Monday 31
- Tuesday 1
- Wednesday 2
- Thursday 3
- Friday 4
Australia vs British & Irish Lions 1st Test Tips - Wallabies to push the Lions close in opening game
Australia opens their rugby tour against the British & Irish Lions as underdogs, with a betting recommendation for them to remain within a +9.5 handicap. While Australia's recent form includes notable wins against England and Wales, they've struggled against stronger teams. The British & Irish Lions are on a winning streak and aim to exploit their set-piece advantage. However, their cohesion is untested with mixed nationalities. Joe Schmidt's Australia faces challenges such as inexperience at flyhalf, making strategic choices crucial.
- Australia underdogs but tipped to stay within a +9.5 handicap
- Australia's recent form shows a mixed bag, with wins against England and Wales
- British & Irish Lions are on a winning streak, focusing on exploiting Australia's weak set-piece
Expired
Lions backed for narrow win in 1st Test (Getty Images)
Australia vs British & Irish Lions Tips
Australia open the tour against the British & Irish Lions as big underdogs, but they are value to keep it relatively close and remain within the +9.5 handicap.
- Australia vs British & Irish Lions Tips
- Head to Head
- Australia Form
- Australia Team News
- British & Irish Lions Form
- British & Irish Lions Team News
- Australia have won 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Australia lost to Ireland and Scotland in 2024 but beat England and Wales.
- British & Irish Lions have won their last 5 matches.
- British & Irish Lions have won their last 5 matches by 47, 40, 11, 12 & 48 points.
Head to Head
These teams only meet every 12 years. They last played in 2013, a series the B+I Lions won 2-1.
Australia Form
Australian rugby union has taken a dive in terms of performance in recent years. From failing to get beyond the group stage at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, to another horrid Rugby Championship in 2024.
During that tournament, Australia finished bottom of the table. They managed one win against Argentina, lost the other against Los Pumas and were well beaten by South Africa and New Zealand.
Things were looking bleak, but Joe Schmidt finally started to put his stamp on the squad during their Northern Hemisphere tour in November. The Wallabies quite dramatically beat England at Twickenham before thrashing Wales in Cardiff.
Australia were no match for Scotland as the Scots won 27-13 at Murrayfield. In their final tour game, Australia came within inches of beating Ireland, losing 22-19.
The Aussies played just one warm-up game a couple of weeks ago. They managed to scrape over the line, beating Fiji 21-18.
Australia Team News
Joe Schmidt has a few selection headaches and lacks serious experience in key areas. Most notably at flyhalf, which could be crucial to the outcome of this game.
British & Irish Lions Form
The British & Irish Lions come into this three-match series as heavy favourites to win. However, they more than anyone will tell you that the hosts cannot be taken lightly.
The Lions lost their first match together against Argentina in Dublin but have won all five warm-up games in Australia. They were in free-scoring form, scoring 50+ points twice, 36 and 48 points. Only the Waratahs held them to under 36 in a 21-10 Lions win.
There will be a big focus on set piece dominance for the tourists; they know Australia are weak in that area, but Farrell also enjoys playing a ball-in-hand style, just like with Ireland. Whether those systems can work with so many different national sides coming together remains to be seen.
British & Irish Lions Team News
As always, there has been much debate about who the B+I Lions will select but Andy Farrell is likely to stick with players he knows. Expect a large Irish contingent in the squad. Owen Farrell is expected to miss out with Finn Russell set to start at 10.
Verdict
I am backing this match to see over 49.5 points and for Australia to lose by less than 9.5 points.
Australia +9.5
Handicap
$1.80 - 4 Units
Fresh New Betting Site
Sign up code is BET
18+. T&Cs apply. The PuntZone sign up code BET is available for customers joining the new betting site.
Over 49.5 Points
Total Points
$1.90 - 3 Units
Pandabet
It's Black & White
The Pandabet.com.au code is BETSAUS. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
25 August 2026
- Valencia v Real Betis -
- Soccer
- LASK Linz v Celtic -
- Soccer
- Bodo/Glimt vs NEC Nijmegen -
- Soccer
- Daniil Medvedev vs Martin Damm -
- Tennis
- Maya Joint vs Panna Udvardy -
- Tennis
26 August 2026
- Canterbury - August 26 -
- Horse Racing
- Bendigo - August 26 -
- Horse Racing
- Preston Lions v South Melbourne -
- Soccer
27 August 2026
- Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm -
- Rugby League
Load More
