Preparing for BATTLE

Here's what Andy Farrell can expect from the Australian Super Rugby Pacific franchises and the Lions' midweek opposition before the Tests

- TOM DECENT

FOR THE best part of five months, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was in virtual hiding as a blockbuster British & Irish Lions series quickly approached Australian shores.

Since the moderately successful tour of Europe in November, in which the Wallabies beat England (42-37) and Wales (52-20), Schmidt has been an invisible man. Unlike his media-savvy predecessor Eddie Jones, Schmidt likes to keep a low profile. On this occasion, there was good reason.

As Rugby Australia searched for Schmidt's replacement - he announced in February he would be leaving after this year's Rugby Championship - the Wallabies boss wanted to stay out of the media, conscious not to be seen as interfering with the formal process. Schmidt didn't deem it appropriate to provide ongoing commentary to the country's rugby journalists.

Getting a gauge on who Schmidt was favouring for the Lions series, based on Super Rugby Pacific > performances, became increasingly difficult. However, things have changed markedly in recent weeks and, with it, the mood of the Australian rugby public. Schmidt is now on a media blitz.

Ticket demand for Lions matches has exceeded expectations, with several venues nearing sellout status. RA says half a million tickets have been sold. Lions fever is here.

Ex-London Irish coach Les Kiss will replace Schmidt as Wallabies boss in July next year. The pair sat side-by-side on a wet Wednesday morning in late April at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, the venue of the Waratahs’ clash with the Lions on 5 July, for an announcement months in the making.

Schmidt seemed relaxed and rejuvenated at his first media conference since November. Despite avoiding the spotlight, he has been studying prospective Lions players as closely as Australia’s Super Rugby talent.