-22074209.jpg)
- Monday 25
- Tuesday 26
- Wednesday 27
- Thursday 28
- Friday 29
- Saturday 30
- Sunday 31
- Monday 1
- Tuesday 2
- Wednesday 3
- Thursday 4
Australia vs British & Irish Lions 1st Test Predictions - Australia to get close in first test against Lions
The Australia vs British & Irish Lions match is set to be a thrilling encounter. The Lions enter as favorites, bolstered by five warm-up victories. Australia's performance has been inconsistent, with recent losses in significant tournaments but some wins in crucial matches. Key factors include set-piece dominance, strategic plays, and team selections, particularly around the flyhalf position for Australia. Overall, expect a dynamic contest, with predictions favoring a high-scoring game where Australia loses by less than 9.5 points.
- Lions favorites after 5 strong warm-up wins.
- Australia's recent form variably positive, with key wins and losses.
- Predictions suggest a high-scoring game with Australia losing by under 9.5 points.
Expired
Lions backed for narrow win in 1st Test (Getty Images)
Australia vs British & Irish Lions Predictions
The tourists are big favourites to win the first test and the series, and rightly so. However, if Australia are to upset the odds in this series, the general feeling is that they must hit the Lions early and this first test provides their best opportunity for a win.
- Australia vs British & Irish Lions Predictions
- Head to Head
- Australia Form
- Australia Team News
- British & Irish Lions Form
- British & Irish Lions Team News
The big difference here is that the B+I Lions have five warm-up games under their belt while Australia only have the one match. I do think the tourists will win but a fast start by the hosts could see them get within 9.5 points.
- 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
When the British & Irish Lions toured Australia in 2013, they won the series 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
Get R15 + R15 Free Spins
+ 150% up to R5,000 (2nd Deposit)
Deposit R50 or more on your first deposit at 10bet and get a welcome gift consisting of a R15 free bet + R15 free spins on Fortune Olympus. If you decide to make a second deposit after that, you will get 150% up to R5,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.
Over 49.5 Points
Total Points
@1.90 - 3 Units
Free R50 + R2000 + 35 Spins
use promo code NEWBONUS
The Easybet promo code is NEWBONUS. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
26 May 2026
- Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans -
- Cricket
11 June 2026
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Odds -
- Soccer
- South Africa FIFA World Cup Preview -
- Soccer
13 June 2026
- Morocco FIFA World Cup Preview -
- Soccer
Load More
