Wallabies Host British Irish Lions in Opening Brisbane Test

The highly anticipated British and Irish Lions tour to Australia has kicked off with the first Test match against the Wallabies in Brisbane, marking a series that occurs only every 12 years. The Lions, captained by Maro Itoje and featuring eight Irish starters, have never lost in Queensland and enter the series on the back of strong tour performances. The Wallabies, led by captain Harry Wilson, are focused on learning from past mistakes, including a narrow loss in the 2013 series, and are preparing for challenging conditions on a heavily used Suncorp Stadium pitch. Despite the significant local interest and large crowds supporting the Lions, rugby union faces stiff competition from other sports in Australia, such as the NRL and AFL, which dominate media coverage and fan attention. The series is broadcast live on Stan Sport and Channel Nine, drawing rugby fans worldwide to follow the action. Overall, the Lions' presence has reinvigorated rugby's profile in Queensland, though the Wallabies remain determined to secure a strong start to the series on home soil.