James Horwill, who returned to Australia in 2021 after a six-year stint in England, now serves on the board of the Queensland Rugby Union.
Horwill observes that the “Sea of Red,” particularly by the third Test, often becomes quite animated.
“Lions fans aren’t known for their subtlety,” remarks Horwill, who captained the Wallabies during the Lions’ previous tour in 2013.
“It seemed some of them only invested in a Lions jersey for the last visit.”
“They’re likely packing light to save on airfare—avoiding checked luggage for a three-week trip.”
The arrival of the Lions and their supporters, coupled with the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups and the 2032 Olympic Sevens, is viewed as a ‘golden runway’ for revitalizing rugby union in Australia.
However, sustained success hinges on a winning Wallabies team.
“There’s an expectation that our national team will win, and win consistently,” Horwill explains.
“We’re looking for strong performances, and I’m optimistic the Wallabies can deliver.”
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Bookmakers, however, are less confident, favoring the Lions. Nonetheless, Horwill identifies potential vulnerabilities.
“Depending on [Wallaby head coach] Joe Schmidt’s selections, we could have a size advantage in the back five [second and back rows],” he suggests.
Conversely, while the Lions boast ample back-row options, their squad emphasizes mobility, speed, and athleticism over powerful ball carriers.
Schmidt has notably called up 6ft 8in lock Will Skelton, whose imposing frame combines surprising pace.
Horwill is pleased with the balance the hosts have achieved.
“In Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson, we have two world-class number eights,” he states.
“I anticipate Fraser McReight starting at number seven; he’s a game-changer.
“He excels as a fetcher and bridges the gap between forwards and backs.
“During last year’s northern hemisphere tour, Australia’s defeat against Scotland was the only match McReight missed, and the team lacked fluidity, understanding, and overall functionality.
“He’s a critical player for us.”
Valetini and McReight anchor a formidable Wallabies back row.
While Jake Gordon or Nic White may start at scrum-half, Horwill believes Tate McDermott could shine as the tourists tire in the final quarter.
“Tate has had a standout Super Rugby season. He’s arguably the best nine in the country, and his ability to attack with his feet could be a major asset off the bench,” Horwill suggests.
“A strategy could involve tiring out the Lions and then unleashing Tate in the last 20 to 30 minutes to exploit the fringes and target defenders around the ruck, where he excels.”
When Australia defeated England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in November, McDermott’s quick dart set up a first-half try for captain Wilson.
McDermott, a running scrum-half, made impactful appearances off the bench during the Wallabies’ autumn internationals against Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland.
During the Lions’ last tour of Australia, Israel Folau, in his international debut, scored two tries in Australia’s narrow first-Test defeat.
“Izzy was the most naturally gifted athlete I’ve ever played with,” Horwill recalls.
“Wherever we positioned him on the field, opponents had to account for his aerial threat—sometimes with double coverage—which created opportunities for others.
“Izzy made everything appear effortless, moving and jumping with remarkable ease for a big man, and Joseph possesses similar qualities.”
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Australia’s highly-paid recruit from rugby league, was inspired by Folau and, at 21, has demonstrated comparable aerial prowess.
Given the Lions’ struggles in the air against Argentina and their difficulty securing kick-offs against Western Force, Suaalii will be aggressively chasing and leaping.
“Wherever Joseph is positioned, defenders will likely converge, potentially creating opportunities to kick elsewhere and gain an advantage,” Horwill suggests.
Amidst the excitement surrounding England flanker Henry Pollock’s rapid rise, Australia also has emerging talents.
Corey Toole, a member of the Australian sevens team that finished fourth at the Paris Olympics, earned a shot at the XV-man game after scoring 11 tries in the Brumbies’ Super Rugby Pacific semi-final run.
Max Jorgensen, the 20-year-old son of former Wallaby Peter Jorgensen, has recovered from an ankle injury and is in contention for a wing position.
“One thing Australia’s back three offers is genuine pace,” Horwill observes.
“Corey Toole has real speed and has significantly bulked up over the past year. He powered through Damian McKenzie to score against the Chiefs in the Super Rugby semi-final—he’s incredibly exciting if given the chance.
“Jorgensen is the kind of prodigious talent we’ve been developing.
“He’s been somewhat unlucky with injuries and simply needs consistent playing time.”
Jorgensen and Toole, while inexperienced at Test level, possess game-breaking speed.
This series marks the first time since 2013 that Horwill will be watching from the southern hemisphere, following a stint at Harlequins and a degree at Cambridge University.
“I probably underestimated its magnitude—the enormity and importance to the fans, and the significance of selection for the players,” Horwill admits.
“Football is dominant, but for this period, the Lions are on the front and back pages.
“I lived in Putney, London, and during the first Test against New Zealand in 2017, I walked down the street at 8 a.m. to find every pub in Putney adorned in red.”
Horwill will host his own Lions tourist this year. Wales centre Jamie Roberts, who scored the final try as the Lions secured the third Test 12 years ago, was Horwill’s teammate at Quins.
“It’s remarkable how things unfold,” Horwill reflects.
“That third Test is probably the only one in my international career that I’d like to replay.
“Back in 2013, we never imagined playing together, let alone becoming close friends.
“He was a fantastic presence at Quins and, more importantly, has been a good friend ever since.
“I’m eager to welcome him and his family when they visit this summer.”
Horwill’s Wallabies were defeated 41-16 in the decisive third Test in 2013, following two closely contested matches earlier in the series.
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