The British and Irish Lions defeated the New South Wales Waratahs 21-10 to maintain a 100 per cent record on their summer tour of Australia. However, Andy Farrell’s side were made to work very hard indeed for victory after an error-strewn and scrappy display at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium that saw the newly-arrived Owen Farrell watch on and Henry Pollock withdrawn ahead of kick-off with a calf issue.
But Scotland centre Huw Jones stated a strong case for a starting Test berth with two tries in the first half, with Charlie Gamble seeing a reply ruled out before the Waratahs did cross through Wallabies wing Darby Lancaster. They did so again after the break thanks to hooker Ethan Dobbins, with Josh van der Flier’s effort then spilled before man-of-the-match Alex Mitchell gave the Lions some much-needed breathing room.
Ellis Genge saw two late scores wiped off as the Lions were limited to only three tries in Sydney, having put eight past both the Western Force and Queensland Reds to open the tour Down Under in emphatic fashion with a pair of 50-plus point victories. Next up for the Lions is more Super Rugby Pacific opposition in the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday.
Waratahs vs Lions highlights
- NO TRY! Genge has two ruled out late
- TRY! Mitchell goes over for third Lions try
- NO TRY! Van der Flier spills ball in finish
- TRY! Dobbins scores early in second half
- TRY! Lancaster effort stands after TMO check
- TRY! Jones again after Gamble score ruled out
- TRY! Huw Jones gives Lions early lead
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:58 , George FloodFull-time
A third straight win over Super Rugby Pacific opposition on tour Down Under for the Lions, but that was a far, far sterner test than they received against both the Western Force and Reds, each of whom shipped eight tries and more than 50 points.
A scrappy performance really in most facets, way too many handling errors and a lot to work on with the first Test against Australia looming in Brisbane on July 19.
Andy Farrell won’t be happy with that, though there were positives - the scrum in particular and individual performances from the likes of Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, man-of-the-match Alex Mitchell and Scott Cummings.
Next up for the Lions is a midweek clash with the ACT Brumbies - Australia’s highest-performing Super Rugby side this season - at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Wednesday.
Credit to the Waratahs, they were really solid tonight. Charlie Gamble immense in the back row.
All eyes now on the Wallabies against Fiji in Newcastle tomorrow.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:5682 mins: The clock is in the red and the Lions have a free-kick after the scrum, they try and get the dangerous Van der Merwe firing again down the left.
But the ball bobbles into touch and that will be that.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:55 , George Flood79 mins: The Lions try to finish with a flourish but can’t due to yet another handling error, this time captain Beirne the guilty party.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:52 , George Flood77 mins: A really scrappy sequence of play again before a dreadful error from Marcus Smith, who tries to kick the latest penalty deep into touch but sends it dead instead.
Really poor, that.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:50 , George Flood76 mins: NO TRY!
Obstruction at the maul by Earl and it’s ruled out.
Just not Genge’s day.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:48 , George Flood75 mins: The Lions won’t be denied a fourth try as they earn further penalties and kick for another lineout.
This time the Waratahs can’t stop the rolling maul and it goes over, with the referee signalling try.
But we will have a TMO check first.
Was that Genge again?
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:45 , George Flood73 mins: The Lions carry powerfully deep into Waratahs territory after the lineout.
But Gamble is straight on it again at the breakdown to earn another pressure-relieving penalty.
He has been superb tonight.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:43 , George Flood70 mins: The Lions are still being plagued by too many handling errors in Sydney as Earl receives a bit of treatment after a fine tackle from Amatosero.
Ben White is on for Mitchell to make his Lions debut.
Jack Grant on for the Waratahs at scrum-half.
Another scrum penalty now earned by the Lions.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:42 , George Flood69 mins: The Waratahs are certainly not going away here, Walton’s work at the breakdown ensuring another penalty for not releasing.
They are still making the Lions work so hard for this, not crumbling like we saw from the Western Force and the Reds.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:40 , George FloodHere is that crucial third Lions try from Alex Mitchell...
Alex Mitchell with the show-and-go off the top of the lineout and he claims a third Lions' try! 🦁👏 pic.twitter.com/fGOR9zEhHj
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 5, 2025
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:39 , George Flood67 mins: The Waratahs are away after a great kick and contest in the air from scrum-half Wilson.
Boot quickly goes to ball again and Hansen is under real pressure down the flank.
But he deals with it and the Lions have the lineout inside their own half.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:38 , George Flood66 mins: Roars of delight from the Lions pack, Earl in particular, as they win another scrum penalty.
They have been dominant in that area tonight - Genge, Sheehan and Furlong is a hell of a replacement front row.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:3665 mins: Loose handling and too many errors from both sides here - Andy Farrell does not look happy in the coaches box.
A pass from Gamble is knocked down by Jones, who gets away with one there.
The Lions are initially awarded the put-in at the scrum, but it’s rightly corrected by the touch judge.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:3362 mins: The Waratahs remains under severe pressure in Sydney, an excellent last-ditch tackle putting Van der Merwe in touch.
The Lions come again but the hosts pile into the breakdown and earn a penalty.
Morgan on for Van der Flier in the Lions’ back row.
Edmed, Botha, Adamson and O'Donnell all on for the Waratahs.
Amatosero has returned too.
Lions 21-10 Waratahs
12:2860 mins: The Lions are starting to pour it on now with the powerful bench unit in full flow and are quickly back laying siege to that Waratahs try line, Genge slamming through for their fourth try.
Or not. He clearly spilled it while attempting to ground.
No try. Lovely play from Mitchell again there.
TRY! Lions 21-10 Waratahs | Alex Mitchell 55'
12:23 , George Flood55 mins: Brilliant from Mitchell, who takes the ball from the back of the maul and sells a couple of lovely dummies before dotting down himself.
More like it from the Lions.
Fin Smith with his third conversion of the night and the tourists now lead by 11.
Lions 14-10 Waratahs
12:2253 mins: The scrappiness continues around the scrums, a forward putting boot to ball before the Waratahs are pinged again for not driving straight.
The Lions have another lineout deep in the opposition 22.
Matt Philip - back from a stint in Japan - now on at lock for the Waratahs.
Lions 14-10 Waratahs
12:18 , George Flood50 mins: Livewire Mitchell is driving the attack for the Lions at the moment, buzzing around the 22 before Hansen almost scampers through to score in the right corner.
It’ll be a 22-metre drop-out for the Waratahs.
Here comes the bulk of the Lions bench.
Genge, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Mitchell and Van der Merwe all on.
Try-scorer Dobbins replaced by Vailanu at hooker for the Waratahs.
Lions 14-10 Waratahs
12:15 , George Flood48 mins: This remains a very scrappy game indeed in Sydney.
Scrums, charge down and knock-ons galore at the moment.
Andy Farrell will be demanding his side take it by the scruff of the neck.
How long until we see the bench cavalry arrive?
Lions 14-10 Waratahs
12:13 , George Flood46 mins: Here come the Lions again and Kinghorn tries a little chip down the left wing that is blocked forward.
Scrum red.
Lions 14-10 Waratahs
12:10 , George Flood44 mins: Scintillating rugby from the Lions as they look to respond straightaway, Mitchell at the heart of things as Van der Flier goes over in the left corner!
Or does he? He’s ruled to have spilled the ball forward into the in-goal area and it’s no try.
TRY! Lions 14-10 Waratahs | Ethan Dobbins 43'
12:0843 mins: A dream start to the second half for the Waratahs!
They win an early penalty and kick to touch, their rolling maul a real weapon again as it crashes through and hooker Dobbins dots down.
The conversion comes back off the left-hand post!
Lions 14-5 Waratahs
12:04 , George FloodBack underway in Sydney!
Andy Farrell will be looking for the Lions to step up again in the second half here.
They did it against both the Reds and Western Force, utilising their vastly superior strength in depth to run away with things.
Lions 14-5 Waratahs
11:57 , George FloodThere are Sky Sports cameras inside the dressing rooms at Allianz Stadium and Andy Farrell looks to be in animated discussion with a few of his players after a bit of a lacklustre first half from the Lions in Sydney.
The set-piece has been nice and strong and Jones and Tuipulotu are making a firm case to be the starting Test centre pairing, but otherwise there’s not been much to write home about so far.
Waratahs more than holding their own at the moment.
Lions 14-5 Waratahs
11:50 , George FloodHalf-time
Lions 14-5 Waratahs
11:50 , George Flood42 mins: No they can’t, there’s a turnover at the breakdown and Walton makes the short kick into touch to invite the half-time whistle.
Lions 14-5 Waratahs
11:49 , George Flood40 mins: The Lions are camped deep in the Waratahs 22 with the clock now in the red, moving the ball from side to side and trying to find a gap in this scramble defence after a mazy run from Kinghorn.
Can the hosts hold out?
Lions 14-5 Waratahs
11:48 , George Flood38 mins: The Lions are straight back on the attack after a lovely kick from Kinghorn.
Waratahs suddenly under huge pressure again with half-time looming...
TRY! Lions 14-5 Waratahs | Darby Lancaster 35'
11:45 , George Flood35 mins: The try stands!
They were looking at the clearout from Lee-Warner on Hansen, which looked very iffy with the shoulder.
But the officials are happy with it. Conversion missed.
Lions 14-0 Waratahs
11:43 , George Flood35 mins: The Waratahs hit straight back as Australia wing Darby Lancaster streaks down the left to score!
Great work from both props, Lambert with the initial charge before a nice little dummy and pass to the short side from ‘Tongan Thor’ Tupou.
But hang on, it’s another TMO check...
TRY! Lions 14-0 Waratahs | Huw Jones 33'
11:40 , George Flood33 mins: Huw Jones at the double!
Lovely footwork on the sidestep and he powers through three defenders to touch down his second try of the night.
Good pass to find the Scotland centre, the Waratahs were expecting a short one to Earl.
Fin Smith converts again and it’s a 14-0 lead.
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:38 , George Flood31 mins: The Waratahs are caught offside as the Lions quickly set about benefiting from their reprieve.
They kick for the lineout and within a flash are right up to the Waratahs try line...
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:36 , George Flood30 mins: NO TRY!
Lock Lee-Warner the culprit, clearly obstructing the jumper.
The Lions breathe a sigh of relief and kick to touch, still leading 7-0.
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:35 , George Flood30 mins: Brilliant from the Waratahs, who have the Lions completely turned around at the maul and openside flanker Gamble breaks through to score.
But before the conversion attempt, there is a TMO check for a potential obstruction.
This could be chalked off.
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:33 , George Flood29 mins: The Lions’ last-ditch defence still just about stands firm, but it’s another penalty - offside on Earl.
Referee Paul Williams warns captain Beirne that the next one will result in a yellow card.
The Waratahs kick for another lineout...
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:31 , George Flood27 mins: The Waratahs quickly crash to the edge of the Lions try line, but they can’t quite get the ball over before getting another penalty for offside.
They will take this one quickly...
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:30 , George Flood26 mins: Waratahs not really going anywhere fast after their lineout in the Lions 22, but they have the penalty advantage.
A cheap one conceded at the breakdown by the Lions.
Another lineout coming deep in Lions territory.
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:29 , George FloodHuwipulotu combine for the first Lions try of the evening in Sydney...
Huwipulotu combines for the Lions! 🤝💥 pic.twitter.com/YiINFkSLIy
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 5, 2025
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:28 , George Flood23 mins: The Lions attack once more after a brief delay, Scotland pair Cummings and Tuipulotu initially leading the charge.
They work the ball patiently from left to right and back again, Mitchell’s little grubber hoofed clear by Creighton to push the Lions back.
They get back to halfway, but Waratahs skipper Sinclair earns the penalty at the breakdown.
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:26 , George Flood22 mins: Untidy from the Waratahs after another tough scrum before young fly-half Jack Bowen scrambles into touch.
Lions tighthead Finlay Bealham is receiving a bit of treatment.
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:23 , George Flood20 mins: Handling errors again from the Lions deep in the 22 of the Waratahs, whose scramble defence gets the job done for now.
Their maul defence has been good so far too.
A couple of knock-ons in there and the Waratahs will have the put-in at the scrum as they look to clear their lines here.
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:22 , George Flood18 mins: The Waratahs scrum is really creaking early on here as the Lions have another advantage.
We come back for the penalty after they don’t quite combine with ball in hand.
They kick for the lineout and then the hosts are pinged for an infringement at the maul, with Fin Smith’s little kick not coming off on the free play.
Lions 7-0 Waratahs
11:19 , George Flood15 mins: All gone very loose since that first Lions try, the tourists having to defend solidly in front of their own line before an iffy throw at the lineout from Cowan-Dickie.
Another fine line break in attack from Earl before a knock-on leads to another scrum, where the Lions have the put-in.
TRY! Lions 7-0 Waratahs | Huw Jones 12'
11:16 , George Flood12 mins: The Lions are over for the first try of the game!
They win another scrum penalty and kick to touch in the 22, trying to establish the rolling maul.
The ball is played to Tuipulotu, who plays a gorgeous last-second short little pass to Jones who bursts through a weak Waratahs defence to score.
Fin Smith converts. The Lions benefiting from an international combination at centre there for the first time on the tour.
Lions 0-0 Waratahs
11:13 , George Flood8 mins: A better scrum from the hosts this time, though the ball is swiftly back in the hands of the Lions, who again look to attack at pace and move the ball quickly through the hands.
Lovely pass over the top from Hansen out to Earl, who charges forward in the wide channel.
Some big hits going in from the Waratahs around midfield until a knock-on that is ruled as a genuine attempt to get the ball by New Zealand referee Paul Williams.
Lions 0-0 Waratahs
11:09 , George Flood5 mins: The Waratahs deal with a dangerous little kick in behind and safely exit from their own lineout inside the 22.
They don’t find touch though and here come the Lions with ball in hand, Earl almost set away by Hansen but he’s falling as he tries to receive the pass.
Knock-on, scrum blue. Another reset needed.
Lions 0-0 Waratahs
11:07 , George Flood4 mins: First scrum of the night with red put-in after a knock-on.
It takes an age with resets before the Waratahs ship the penalty.
Good work from Schoeman on the loosehead side and the Lions kick to touch in Waratahs territory, looking to tee up their first attacking platform of the night.
Lions 0-0 Waratahs
11:05 , George Flood2 mins: More concerning handling errors by the Lions almost prove costly early.
Keenan spills a pass from Tuipulotu and Lancaster is away, only for the Waratahs to be denied by a vital last-gasp interception by Cummings.
There were too many of those sorts of mistakes against the Reds in midweek, despite the emphatic winning scoreline.
Lions vs Waratahs
11:03 , George FloodKICK-OFF
Underway in Sydney!
Will the Lions make it a hat-trick of emphatic wins against Super Rugby Pacific opponents as they build up to Australia Test series?
Fin Smith to kick-off, a good, clean exit quickly negotiated by Teddy Wilson, looking to impress at scrum-half for the Waratahs in the absence of Jake Gordon.
First Lions lineout goes smoothly.
Here come the teams
11:00 , George FloodThe music is blaring amid a light show as the teams emerge quite late from the tunnel at the 45,500-capacity Allianz Stadium, which is packed out tonight.
It also hosts Sydney FC of the A-League and the NRL’s Sydney Roosters.
Tadhg Beirne with Lions mascot BIL in hand, as is customary for the captain.
He’ll be back with Henry Pollock soon enough!
Final preparations
10:55 , George FloodFinal preparations in Sydney!
Just a watching brief for Owen Farrell at Allianz Stadium today...
Owen Farrell debate rages after headline call-up
10:45 , George FloodThe addition of Owen Farrell has certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons in terms of the ramped up Lions discourse this week.
There are many who felt his call-up by dad Andy was inevitable at some stage after the door had been firmly left open at the original 38-man squad announcement in May.
Farrell joins a very select list of Lions greats to tour four times, having gone on all of the 2013, 2017 and 2021 trips under Warren Gatland, a veteran and legend of the side who also has 112 England caps to his name and a proven track record as an inspirational captain and leader who drives meticulously high standards.
However, he is also coming off a dreadful lone season in France with Racing in which he was often injured and did not perform well.
He has also not played at all for nearly nine weeks due to concussion symptoms.
Farrell’s last Test appearance was all the way back at the 2023 World Cup, after which he stood down from England duty in order to protect his and his family’s mental wellbeing.
Some are asking why Farrell has only been called up now, given that Elliot Daly’s tour-ending injury does not leave the Lions short at either fly-half or at 12.
But his historical impact is hard to ignore. Can he get in the mix for a potential Test berth?
Australia name team for Fiji warm-up clash
10:32 , George FloodHere is how Australia line up against Fiji in Newcastle tomorrow for their only warm-up match for the three-Test series against the Lions that begins in Brisbane on July 19.
How close will it be from Joe Schmidt to that first game at Suncorp Stadium?
It’s worth noting that Rob Valetini and Will Skelton - two certain starters when fit - are both injured, along with scrum-half Jake Gordon.
Noah Lolesio gets the nod at fly-half.
Wallabies XV: Wright; Potter, Suaalii, Ikitau, Jorgensen; Lolesio, McDermott; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa; Frost, Williams; Gleeson, McReight, Wilson (c)
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Nonggorr, Hooper, Tizzano, White, Donaldson, Daugunu
Waratahs history of bad blood with Lions
10:21 , George FloodThe Waratahs - led by former Leicester head coach Dan McKellar - finished a lowly eighth in Super Rugby Pacific this season, one place above the Western Force and well below both the Brumbies and Reds.
They won less than half their games, only beating the Force in their last six.
Their only title to date was back in 2014.
They have played the Lions on the last two tours Down Under, losing 47-17 in 2013, thanks largely to 30 points from Leigh Halfpenny.
They also lost 41-24 during an infamous bad-tempered clash in 2001, most remembered for Duncan McRae’s shocking flurry of punches on Ronan O’Gara that earned him a seven-week ban.
Farrell issues Pollock injury update
10:07 , George FloodAndy Farrell has given an update on Henry Pollock’s fitness after that late withdrawal from the squad.
“A slight problem with the calf, nothing too serious,” Farrell told Sky Sports.
“But knowing what we know, we thought it was right not to risk him.
“We reshuffle and we’re back to a 5-3 (bench split).”
Lions forced to change plans after late Pollock blow
09:57So Andy Farrell is forced into some late tinkering on gameday for the second fixture in a row.
Doesn’t sound like anything to worry about for Henry Pollock, who, before Owen Farrell’s arrival anyway, continued to be the biggest story of the tour by far after his meteoric rise this season and impressive performances in the early going.
With no nailed-on number eight starter in the absence of Ireland captain Caelan Doris, I wouldn’t rule out a Test squad place for the budding England and Northampton superstar if he can prove his fitness.
Tadhg Beirne’s versatility to play at both lock and six is so valuable, while this feels like a chance that Scott Cummings really must take after some iffy early moments on tour, most notably those lost restarts.
And another chance for Duhan van der Merwe to try and impress off the bench, having looked defensively suspect in midweek.
Late Lions changes as Pollock ruled out
09:42 , George FloodSome late Lions team news changes in Sydney.
Henry Pollock has been ruled out at the 11th hour as a precaution due to a tight calf.
Captain Tadhg Beirne will switch from lock to blindside flanker as a result, with Scott Cummings getting a start in the second row.
It’s now a 5-3 bench split as Cummings’ spot among the replacements goes to Scotland team-mate Duhan van der Merwe.
Revised British and Irish Lions XV: Keenan; Hansen, Jones, Tuipulotu, Kinghorn; F Smith, Mitchell; Schoeman, Cowan-Dickie, Bealham; Cummings, Ryan; Beirne (c), Van der Flier, Earl
Replacements: Sheehan, Genge, Furlong, McCarthy, Van der Merwe, Morgan, White, M Smith
Suaalii leads list of Waratahs absentees
09:34 , George FloodWith Australia playing their only warm-up match for the Lions Test series against Fiji in Newcastle tomorrow, the Waratahs are without several of their Wallabies internationals today.
That number includes star centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who has now recovered from a broken jaw and will start alongside Len Ikitau against Fiji.
So too will Waratahs team-mates Max Jorgensen, Langi Gleeson and David Porecki, with Angus Bell on the bench. Jake Gordon is injured.
However, prop Taniela Tupou and wing Andrew Kellaway were both released back to the club by Joe Schmidt, along with Darby Lancaster and newly-signed lock Matt Philip.
Rob Leota, Tane Edmed and Lalakai Foketi also bring Wallabies experience in a squad captained in the absence of Gordon by the retiring Hugh Sinclair, who makes his last-ever appearance in professional rugby in the back row.
Intriguing Lions team selection
09:22 , George FloodThere are plenty more intriguing subplots and talking points in a Lions lineup that shows 14 changes from the 52-12 thrashing of the Reds on Wednesday, with only Huw Jones keeping his place as he lines up in a familiar all-Scottish centre partnership along with Sione Tuipulotu.
Mack Hansen will hope to impress again out wide and continue to stake his Test claims, while Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell is an established half-back pairing for both England and Northampton.
It’s a proud day for Tadhg Beirne as he captains the Lions in the absence of tour skipper Maro Itoje, lining up at lock alongside Ireland team-mate James Ryan.
The front row will all hope to put a marker down amid the Lions’ ongoing set-piece issues, while Henry Pollock gets another start in the back row - this time at blindside flanker.
Josh van der Flier and Ben Earl are another pair who will hope to start against the Wallabies later this month.
As ever, so much quality strength in depth for the Lions, who have a serious bench unit to call upon as Andy Farrell goes with a six-two split for the first time this summer.
Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong is not a bad front row to have in reserve, eh?
Joe McCarthy and Jac Morgan were both excellent in midweek, while Scott Cummings likely needs a performance off the bench after a couple of nervy moments.
Kinghorn, Keenan and White set for Lions debuts
09:13 , George FloodWhile Owen Farrell will wait to make his first appearance of the tour, there are three prospective Lions debuts coming up this morning in Sydney.
Blair Kinghorn joined up with the squad earlier this week after helping Toulouse to retain their Top 14 title with a thrilling win over Bordeaux in Paris last weekend.
The versatile Scotland full-back is out on the left wing, where has been playing for his club over recent weeks.
Also set for his first outing in the famous Lions red is Ireland’s Hugo Keenan, who recovered from a calf issue to be named in the starting team to face the Reds, only to withdraw on the day of the game in Brisbane due to illness.
He’s since shaken that off and gets the nod again at 15.
Scotland scrum-half Ben White is also poised to earn his Lions debut off the bench, having been added to the squad after Tomos Williams suffered a hamstring injury while scoring his second try against the Western Force in Perth last weekend.
The Toulon star earned a call-up over England’s Jack van Poortvliet and had been in New Zealand ahead of Scotland’s matches against the Maori All Blacks, Fiji and Samoa.
No Owen Farrell for Lions yet after late call-up
09:04 , George FloodNo prizes for guessing the main topic of conversation in Lions camp this week, with Owen Farrell getting the late call-up that many had been anticipating as an injury replacement for Elliot Daly, one of the early stars of the trip who sadly suffered a tour-ending forearm fracture against the Reds in midweek.
Opinions on the addition that always felt inevitable have certainly been divided, to put it mildly.
Former England captain Farrell arrived in Sydney for his fourth Lions tour on Friday, but was never going to be considered for this game.
The returning Saracens fly-half will instead focus on proving his fitness and passing the necessary return-to-play protocols after a torrid, injury-plagued lone season in France with Racing 92, having not featured for almost nine weeks due to concussion symptoms.
A new arrival in Sydney! 👋🦁#Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/3OeRCZ9Q91
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 5, 2025
Waratahs vs Lions prediction
08:52 , George FloodBoth the Western Force and Queensland Reds have given the Lions stiff initial challenges before folding badly in the face of their vastly superior depth and firepower.
We can likely expect a similar scenario to unfold in Sydney today as Andy Farrell’s side continue to fine-tune for the Australia Test series and look to ramp things up further while ironing out the remaining issues, still searching for their best combinations in a couple of important areas.
The Waratahs - who aren’t as good as the Reds - have been boosted by the release from Wallabies camp of the likes of Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway, but Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is an enormous miss and they surely won’t have enough to stop the Lions from racing clear again emphatically after half-time.
Lions to win by 30 points.
Waratahs lineup
08:49 , George FloodWaratahs XV: Creighton; Kellaway, Foketi, Walton, Lancaster; Bowen, Wilson; Lambert, Dobbins, Tupou; Lee-Warner, Amatosero; Leota, Gamble, Sinclair (c)
Replacements: Vailanu, Barrett, Botha, Philip, Adamson, Grant, Edmed, O'Donnell
Lions lineup
08:49 , George FloodBritish and Irish Lions XV: Keenan; Hansen, Jones, Tuipulotu, Kinghorn; F Smith, Mitchell; Schoeman, Cowan-Dickie, Bealham; Beirne (c), Ryan; Pollock, Van der Flier, Earl
Replacements: Sheehan, Genge, Furlong, McCarthy, Cummings, Morgan, White, M Smith
How to watch Waratahs vs Lions
08:48 , George FloodTV channel: Sky Sports has exclusive broadcasting rights to the 2025 Lions tour in the UK.
Coverage of today’s match begins at 10am BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action.
Live stream: Those with a Sky Sports subscription can also watch the game live online via Sky Go.
The match is also available to stream via NOW.
Waratahs vs Lions live
08:45 , George FloodGood morning and welcome to Standard Sport’s latest live coverage of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Andy Farrell’s side continue to step up preparations for that looming three-Test series against the Wallabies as they seek to make it a hat-trick of successive emphatic wins over Super Rugby Pacific opposition as they meet the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.
Kick-off at Allianz Stadium is at 11am BST, so stay tuned for match build-up, all the latest team news and live updates.
