Lions are favourites but don't write off Aussies

British and Irish Lions are favourites to emulate their 2013 success in Australia, but their opponents' recent resurgence suggests there are no guarantees

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IF the British and Irish Lions were playing for their very existence on their last adventure to Australia, 2025 is about keeping tradition alive for a different reason.

Warren Gatland's team headed Down Under 12 years ago in pursuit of a first series triumph since 1997 and, having lost seven out of nine Tests thereafter, the future of the entire concept was at stake.

"There's no hiding from the fact that it's important for the Lions to win this time," Gatland said after the opener in Brisbane had been clinched 23-21.

The Lions went on to topple the Wallabies 2-1 and it remains their only success of the last six tours, although a drawn series in New Zealand four years later and narrow loss to South Africa in 2021 proved they can be competitive against reigning world champions.