Western a Force to be reckoned with, says Mack

MACK Hansen knows what is awaiting the British and Irish Lions in Perth today after being present as a spectator for the Brumbies’ famous upset of the tourists on their last visit to Australia.

- By DUNCAN BECH

Hansen starts on the right wing against Western Force at Optus Stadium where he will face some of his old Brumbies team-mates, including a former housemate in Bayley Kuenzle.

The 27-year-old was born and raised in Canberra and began his career playing for the most successful of Australia’s Super Rugby franchises before joining Connacht in 2021.

Selection for Ireland the following year was made possible through his Irish mother and 28 caps later he is on tour with the elite of British and Irish rugby, recalling a cautionary tale from 2013.