2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia

The 2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia was a rugby union tour during June and July 2013. The British & Irish Lions played ten matches - a three-test series against Australia, and matches against the five Australian Super Rugby sides, a Combined New South Wales–Queensland Country team, and a match en route to Australia against the Barbarians.

2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia
The logo of the 2013 Lions tour
Date1 June – 6 July
Coach(es)New Zealand Warren Gatland
Tour captain(s)Wales Sam Warburton
Test series winnersBritish & Irish Lions (2–1)
Top test point scorer(s)Wales Leigh Halfpenny (49)
Lions' top point scorer(s)Wales Leigh Halfpenny (114)
Top test try scorer(s)Wales George North (2)
Lions' top try scorer(s)Wales Alex Cuthbert (4)
Wales George North (4)
Player of the SeriesWales Leigh Halfpenny
2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia
Summary
P W D L
Total
10 08 00 02
Test match
03 02 00 01
Opponent
P W D L
 Australia
3 2 0 1

The Lions won the test series 2–1. The first test was won by the Lions 23–21, the second by Australia 16–15, and the final test by the Lions 41–16. The victory was the Lions' first test series win since defeating South Africa in 1997. Aside from the second test, the Lions' only loss was 14–12 to the Brumbies in Canberra.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland was the Lions' head coach, and their tour captain was Sam Warburton.

Schedule

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Ahead of the tour of Australia, the Lions played the Barbarians in Hong Kong on 1 June to mark the 125th anniversary of the first Lions tour. They then played the five Australian Super Rugby teams, a Combined Country team and three tests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Notes: Bold denotes the winner of each match.

Date Home team Score Away team Venue
1 June British & Irish Lions 59–8 Barbarians Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong Match details
5 June Western Force 17–69 British & Irish Lions Patersons Stadium, Perth Match details
8 June Queensland Reds 12–22 British & Irish Lions Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Match details
11 June Combined Country 0–64 British & Irish Lions Hunter Stadium, Newcastle Match details
15 June New South Wales Waratahs 17–47 British & Irish Lions Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Match details
18 June Brumbies 14–12 British & Irish Lions Canberra Stadium, Canberra Match details
22 June Australia 21–23 British & Irish Lions Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Match details
25 June Melbourne Rebels 0–35 British & Irish Lions AAMI Park, Melbourne Match details
29 June Australia 16–15 British & Irish Lions Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Match details
6 July Australia 16–41 British & Irish Lions ANZ Stadium, Sydney Match details

Test series

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The Lions won the best-of-three test series 2–1, after a convincing victory in the deciding third test followed narrow victories for both teams in the preceding two matches. The teams competed for the Tom Richards Cup, which was first presented in 2001, the last time the Lions toured the country.[1] Australia won the 2001 test series 2–1. Before the start of the 2013 series, the Lions had won 15 of their 20 tests against Australia dating back to 1899.

First test

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The Lions won the first test 23–21. Australia's Christian Lealiifano, making his debut, had to be replaced after just 52 seconds when he was knocked out attempting to tackle Jonathan Davies. Australia recovered from that setback to score the opening try, Israel Folau scoring on his debut with a sprint to the line after a chip through by scrum-half Will Genia. George North then added to a Leigh Halfpenny penalty with a try of his own, evading Pat McCabe and James O'Connor on his way to the line. He might have had a second a few minutes later, but the television match official deemed him to have been in touch before grounding the ball, meaning that the Lions had to settle for another penalty. Instead it was Folau who picked up a second try, beating Johnny Sexton and Halfpenny to cut the Lions' lead to a single point at half-time.[2]

After two more Australian backs – Berrick Barnes and McCabe – suffered injuries, Michael Hooper had to move into the centres, and Liam Gill took his place in the back row. The Lions took advantage of Hooper's unfamiliar position and Alex Cuthbert scored under the posts. An exchange of penalties left Australia within two points of the Lions going into the last five minutes. Kurtley Beale had two late penalty opportunities for Australia, but missed twice, slipping as he made his second attempt with the last kick of the game.

Second test

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Australia won a close game. Leigh Halfpenny's penalty kicking gave the Lions the lead, but the Wallabies scored the only try of the game through Adam Ashley-Cooper in the 74th minute, eventually winning 16–15. In the last minute of the game, a Leigh Halfpenny penalty kick that would have won the game for the Lions dropped short of the posts, meaning that the series would be decided by the final test.

Third test

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The Lions made six changes to their starting team. Tour captain Sam Warburton and 2009 captain Paul O'Connell were both injured. Pre-game controversy focused on the decision of the Lions coaches to drop experienced centre Brian O'Driscoll, who had been widely expected to take over the captaincy,[3][4] in favour of the Welsh combination of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies. The Lions' starting team included 10 Welshmen in all. Australia were unchanged except for the selection of George Smith, returning from international retirement, at openside flanker.[5]

Australia gave away possession at the kick-off, and Alex Corbisiero scored an early try for the Lions. The Lions extended this lead through four penalties from Leigh Halfpenny.[citation needed] The Wallabies conceded several penalties, as well as a sin-binning, at the scrum, although in the period either side of half-time, they recovered to trail only 19–16.[6] The Lions, however, scored three further tries to win 41–16, thus recording the most points by a Lions side in a test match.[7][8]

Squads

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Lions

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Tour manager Andy Irvine announced an initial squad of 37 on 30 April 2013,[9] made up of 15 players from Wales, 10 from England, nine from Ireland and three from Scotland.[10]

Wales' Sam Warburton was named captain; at the age of 24, he was the youngest man to lead the Lions. Warburton was captain of Wales during their Six Nations Grand Slam in 2012, and during the 2011 World Cup, where they finished fourth. Previous Lions captains Paul O'Connell (from 2009) and Brian O'Driscoll (2005) were also chosen.

Dylan Hartley was initially selected but was removed from the squad before the squad departed, after being suspended for 11 weeks for abusing a referee.[11] Rory Best replaced Hartley later that day,[12] meaning that the squad that set off to Hong Kong on 27 May consisted of 15 Welsh, 10 Irish, nine English and three Scottish players.

Alex Corbisiero was called up to the squad to replace Cian Healy, who suffered ankle ligament damage in the match against the Western Force,[13] while Ryan Grant was called up to replace the injured Gethin Jenkins.[14] Tommy Bowe broke his hand against the Queensland Reds,[15] and Simon Zebo was brought into the squad.[16] England's Brad Barritt, Christian Wade and Billy Twelvetrees were called in to provide further cover for the backs.[17][18][19]

Gatland made a surprise selection on 16 June, calling up former Wales wing Shane Williams for the game against the Brumbies. Williams, playing club rugby in Japan, was already due to travel to Australia as a radio commentator, and was brought into the squad for only three days.[20]

Ireland prop Tom Court was called up on 23 June before the final mid-week fixture against Melbourne Rebels, allowing Mako Vunipola to miss that match. Alex Corbisiero had injured his calf in the first test, so the Lions faced a shortage of props. Court was already in Australia visiting his home town of Brisbane.[21]

O'Connell and Warburton were injured in the first and second tests respectively, ruling them out of playing in any more games in the tour.

Notes: Ages listed are as of the first tour match on 1 June. Bold denotes that the player was selected for a previous Lions squad.

Player Position Date of birth (age) National team Club/province Notes
Rory Best Hooker (1982-08-15)15 August 1982 (aged 30)   Ireland Ulster Replaced Dylan Hartley
Dylan Hartley Hooker (1986-03-24)24 March 1986 (aged 27)   England Northampton Saints Originally selected, suspended before tour
Richard Hibbard Hooker (1983-12-13)13 December 1983 (aged 29)   Wales Ospreys
Tom Youngs Hooker (1987-01-28)28 January 1987 (aged 26)   England Leicester Tigers
Dan Cole Prop (1987-05-09)9 May 1987 (aged 26)   England Leicester Tigers
Alex Corbisiero Prop (1988-08-30)30 August 1988 (aged 24)   England London Irish Replaced Cian Healy
Tom Court Prop (1980-11-06)6 November 1980 (aged 32)   Ireland Ulster Called up to cover props
Ryan Grant Prop (1985-10-08)8 October 1985 (aged 27)   Scotland Glasgow Warriors Replaced Gethin Jenkins
Cian Healy Prop (1987-10-07)7 October 1987 (aged 25)   Ireland Leinster Withdrew due to ankle injury
Gethin Jenkins Prop (1980-11-17)17 November 1980 (aged 32)   Wales Toulon Withdrew due to calf injury
Adam Jones Prop (1981-03-08)8 March 1981 (aged 32)   Wales Ospreys
Matt Stevens Prop (1982-10-01)1 October 1982 (aged 30)   England Saracens
Mako Vunipola Prop (1991-01-13)13 January 1991 (aged 22)   England Saracens
Ian Evans Lock (1984-10-04)4 October 1984 (aged 28)   Wales Ospreys
Richie Gray Lock (1989-08-24)24 August 1989 (aged 23)   Scotland Unattached[22][23]
Alun Wyn Jones Lock (1985-09-19)19 September 1985 (aged 27)   Wales Ospreys
Paul O'Connell Lock (1979-10-20)20 October 1979 (aged 33)   Ireland Munster
Geoff Parling Lock (1983-10-28)28 October 1983 (aged 29)   England Leicester Tigers
Tom Croft Flanker (1985-11-07)7 November 1985 (aged 27)   England Leicester Tigers
Dan Lydiate Flanker (1987-12-18)18 December 1987 (aged 25)   Wales Newport Gwent Dragons
Seán O'Brien Flanker (1987-02-14)14 February 1987 (aged 26)   Ireland Leinster
Justin Tipuric Flanker (1989-08-06)6 August 1989 (aged 23)   Wales Ospreys
Sam Warburton (c) Flanker (1988-10-05)5 October 1988 (aged 24)   Wales Cardiff Blues
Taulupe Faletau No. 8 (1990-11-12)12 November 1990 (aged 22)   Wales Newport Gwent Dragons
Jamie Heaslip No. 8 (1983-12-15)15 December 1983 (aged 29)   Ireland Leinster
Conor Murray Scrum-half (1989-04-20)20 April 1989 (aged 24)   Ireland Munster
Mike Phillips Scrum-half (1982-08-29)29 August 1982 (aged 30)   Wales Bayonne
Ben Youngs Scrum-half (1989-09-05)5 September 1989 (aged 23)   England Leicester Tigers
Owen Farrell Fly-half (1991-09-24)24 September 1991 (aged 21)   England Saracens
Johnny Sexton Fly-half (1985-07-11)11 July 1985 (aged 27)   Ireland Leinster
Brad Barritt Centre (1986-08-07)7 August 1986 (aged 26)   England Saracens Called up as backline cover
Jonathan Davies Centre (1988-04-05)5 April 1988 (aged 25)   Wales Scarlets
Brian O'Driscoll Centre (1979-01-21)21 January 1979 (aged 34)   Ireland Leinster
Jamie Roberts Centre (1986-11-08)8 November 1986 (aged 26)   Wales Cardiff Blues
Manu Tuilagi Centre (1991-05-18)18 May 1991 (aged 22)   England Leicester Tigers
Billy Twelvetrees Centre (1988-03-26)26 March 1988 (aged 25)   England Gloucester Called up as backline cover
Tommy Bowe Wing (1984-02-22)22 February 1984 (aged 29)   Ireland Ulster
Alex Cuthbert Wing (1990-04-05)5 April 1990 (aged 23)   Wales Cardiff Blues
Christian Wade Wing (1991-05-15)15 May 1991 (aged 22)   England London Wasps Called up as backline cover
Sean Maitland Wing (1988-09-14)14 September 1988 (aged 24)   Scotland Glasgow Warriors
George North Wing (1992-04-13)13 April 1992 (aged 21)   Wales Scarlets
Shane Williams Wing (1977-02-26)26 February 1977 (aged 36)   Wales Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars Called up for Brumbies match
Simon Zebo Wing (1990-03-16)16 March 1990 (aged 23)   Ireland Munster Called up to cover Tommy Bowe
Leigh Halfpenny Full-back (1988-12-22)22 December 1988 (aged 24)   Wales Cardiff Blues
Stuart Hogg Full-back (1992-06-24)24 June 1992 (aged 20)   Scotland Glasgow Warriors
Rob Kearney Full-back (1986-03-26)26 March 1986 (aged 27)   Ireland Leinster

Management and staff

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Andy Irvine was the Lions' tour manager, having succeeded Gerald Davies, who became Lions chairman.[24]

Although Irvine originally stated that it was unlikely that a current coach of one of the Home unions would be appointed to coach the Lions,[25] New Zealander Warren Gatland was offered the role in March 2012 with the Welsh Rugby Union's support, before being confirmed in September 2012.[26][27][28][29] Gatland promised impartial selection and said he believed that Graham Henry in 2001 picked too many Welsh players who were not good enough to go on the tour. Gatland signed a 10-month contract with the Lions, taking a sabbatical from coaching Wales, although he would coach his Welsh team against Australia and New Zealand in autumn 2012.[30]

Role Name
Management
CEO John Feehan
Chairman Gerald Davies
Tour Manager Andy Irvine
Coaching and conditioning
Head coach Warren Gatland
Assistant coach (Attack) Rob Howley
Assistant coach (Forwards) Graham Rowntree
Assistant coach (Defence) Andy Farrell
Assistant coach (Kicking) Neil Jenkins
Head of Strength & Conditioning Adam Beard
Fitness coach Paul Stridgeon
Sports scientist Brian Cunniffe
Head of Performance Analysis Rhys Long
Video analyst Rhodri Bown
Video analyst Michael Hughes
Medical
Head doctor James Robson
Masseur Richard Wegrzyk
Physiotherapist Bob Stewart
Physiotherapist Prav Mathema
Physiotherapist Phil Pask
Doctor Eanna Falvey

Australia

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Australia head coach Robbie Deans selected a 31-man squad for the test series against the Lions, to be captained by James Horwill.[31][32]

Luke Morahan was added to the squad following an injury Joe Tomane sustained in training.[33]

Following the first test, George Smith, Jesse Mogg and Ben Tapuai were called up to the squad.[34]

Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Saia Fainga'a Hooker (1987-02-02)2 February 1987 (aged 26) 18 Queensland Reds
Stephen Moore Hooker (1983-01-20)20 January 1983 (aged 30) 76 Brumbies
Ben Alexander Prop (1984-11-13)13 November 1984 (aged 28) 48 Brumbies
Sekope Kepu Prop (1986-02-05)5 February 1986 (aged 27) 23 NSW Waratahs
Benn Robinson Prop (1984-07-19)19 July 1984 (aged 28) 56 NSW Waratahs
Scott Sio Prop (1991-10-16)16 October 1991 (aged 21) 0 Brumbies
James Slipper Prop (1989-06-06)6 June 1989 (aged 24) 34 Queensland Reds
Kane Douglas Lock (1989-06-01)1 June 1989 (aged 24) 6 NSW Waratahs
James Horwill (c) Lock (1985-05-29)29 May 1985 (aged 28) 35 Queensland Reds
Hugh McMeniman Lock (1983-11-01)1 November 1983 (aged 29) 21 Western Force
Rob Simmons Lock (1989-04-19)19 April 1989 (aged 24) 23 Queensland Reds
Dave Dennis Flanker (1986-01-10)10 January 1986 (aged 27) 15 NSW Waratahs
Liam Gill Flanker (1992-06-08)8 June 1992 (aged 21) 8 Queensland Reds
Michael Hooper Flanker (1991-10-29)29 October 1991 (aged 21) 13 NSW Waratahs
Peter Kimlin Flanker (1985-07-11)11 July 1985 (aged 27) 2 Brumbies
Ben McCalman Flanker (1988-03-18)18 March 1988 (aged 25) 21 Western Force
George Smith Flanker (1980-07-14)14 July 1980 (aged 32) 110 Brumbies
Ben Mowen Number 8 (1984-12-01)1 December 1984 (aged 28) 0 Brumbies
Wycliff Palu Number 8 (1982-07-27)27 July 1982 (aged 30) 46 NSW Waratahs
Will Genia Scrum-half (1988-01-17)17 January 1988 (aged 25) 41 Queensland Reds
Nick Phipps Scrum-half (1989-09-01)1 September 1989 (aged 23) 12 Melbourne Rebels
Kurtley Beale Fly-half (1989-01-06)6 January 1989 (aged 24) 36 Melbourne Rebels
James O'Connor Fly-half (1990-07-05)5 July 1990 (aged 22) 37 Melbourne Rebels
Adam Ashley-Cooper Centre (1984-03-27)27 March 1984 (aged 29) 77 NSW Waratahs
Rob Horne Centre (1989-08-15)15 August 1989 (aged 23) 14 NSW Waratahs
Christian Lealiifano Centre (1987-09-24)24 September 1987 (aged 25) 0 Brumbies
Pat McCabe Centre (1988-03-21)21 March 1988 (aged 25) 19 Brumbies
Ben Tapuai Centre (1989-01-19)19 January 1989 (aged 24) 7 Queensland Reds
Nick Cummins Wing (1987-10-05)5 October 1987 (aged 25) 6 Western Force
Digby Ioane Wing (1985-07-14)14 July 1985 (aged 27) 34 Queensland Reds
Joe Tomane Wing (1990-02-11)11 February 1990 (aged 23) 1 Brumbies
Luke Morahan Wing (1990-04-13) 13 April 1990 (age 34) 1 Queensland Reds
Berrick Barnes Fullback (1986-05-28)28 May 1986 (aged 27) 50 NSW Waratahs
Israel Folau Fullback (1989-04-03)3 April 1989 (aged 24) 0 NSW Waratahs
Jesse Mogg Fullback (1989-06-08)8 June 1989 (aged 24) 0 Brumbies

Match details

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1 June 2013
19:30 HKT (UTC+8)
British & Irish Lions59–8Barbarians
Try: O'Connell 27' c
Phillips (2) 31' c, 42' c
Davies 57' c
Cuthbert (2) 60', 68'
Lydiate 74'
A.W. Jones 80+1' m
Con: Farrell (3/3) 27', 32', 43'
Sexton (2/5) 58', 76'
Pen: Farrell (3/4) 3', 20', 40'
Report[35][36]Try: Fotuali'i 56' m
Pen: Daly (1/1) 15'
Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
Attendance: 28,643
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

5 June 2013
18:00 AWST (UTC+8)
Western Force  17–69British & Irish Lions
Try: R. Brown 46' c
McCaffrey 62' c
Con: Sheehan (2/2) 47', 63'
Pen: Sheehan (1/1) 32'
Report[37]Try: Sexton 10' c
O'Driscoll (2) 33' c, 64' c
Croft 40' c
Heaslip 42' c
Vunipola 50' c
Bowe 58' c
Farrell 65' c
Parling 75' c
Con: Halfpenny (9/9) 11', 34', 40', 43', 51', 59', 64', 66', 76'
Pen: Halfpenny (2/2) 3', 36'
Patersons Stadium, Perth
Attendance: 35,103
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

8 June 2013
19:30 AEST (UTC+10)
Queensland Reds  12–22British & Irish Lions
Try: Morahan 17' c
Frisby 62' m
Con: Cooper (1/1) 17'
Report[38]Try: B. Youngs 33' c
Con: Farrell (1/1) 34'
Pen: Farrell (5/5) 13', 22', 40', 50', 76'
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 50,136
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

11 June 2013
19:30 AEST (UTC+10)
Combined NSW-QLD Country  0–64British & Irish Lions
Report[39]Try: Cuthbert 7' c
Murray 9' c
Hogg 11' m
North (2) 19' c, 32' m
Hibbard 26' c
O'Driscoll 49' m
Halfpenny 55' c
O'Brien 65' c
Davies 79' c
Con: Hogg (4/6) 8', 10', 20', 27'
Halfpenny (3/4) 56', 66', 80'
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Attendance: 20,071
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

15 June 2013
19:40 AEST (UTC+10)
New South Wales Waratahs  17–47British & Irish Lions
Try: Carter (2) 13' c, 45' c
Con: McKibbin (2/2) 15', 46'
Pen: McKibbin (1/1) 33'
Report[40]Try: Sexton 5' c
Halfpenny (2) 39' c, 43' c
Croft 54' c
Davies 71' c
Con: Halfpenny (4/4) 7', 40', 44', 54'
Farrell (1/1) 72'
Pen: Halfpenny (4/4) 3', 18', 26', 51'
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Attendance: 40,805
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

18 June 2013
19:40 AEST (UTC+10)
Brumbies  14–12British & Irish Lions
Try: Kuridrani 4' m
Pen: Mogg (3/4) 39', 45', 53'
Report[41]Pen: Hogg (2/4) 40+2', 55'
Farrell (2/2) 63', 71'
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Attendance: 21,655
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)

First test

22 June 2013
20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  21–23British & Irish Lions
Try: Folau (2) 12' c, 34' m
Con: O'Connor (1/2) 13'
Pen: O'Connor (1/3) 51'
Beale (2/4) 61', 68'
Report[42]Try: North 25' c
Cuthbert 48' c
Con: Halfpenny (2/2) 27', 48'
Pen: Halfpenny (3/4) 23', 31', 65'
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Attendance: 52,499
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
FB 15 Berrick Barnes   38'
RW 14 Israel Folau
OC 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper   76'
IC 12 Christian Lealiifano   1'
LW 11 Digby Ioane
FH 10 James O'Connor
SH 9 Will Genia
N8 8 Wycliff Palu
OF 7 Michael Hooper
BF 6 Ben Mowen
RL 5 James Horwill (c)
LL 4 Kane Douglas   68'
TP 3 Ben Alexander   57'
HK 2 Stephen Moore
LP 1 Benn Robinson   68'
Replacements:
HK 16 Saia Fainga'a
PR 17 James Slipper   68'
PR 18 Sekope Kepu   57'
LK 19 Rob Simmons   68'
FL 20 Liam Gill   46'
SH 21 Nick Phipps   76'
CE 22 Pat McCabe   1'   46'
FH 23 Kurtley Beale   38'
Coach:
  Robbie Deans
 
FB 15   Leigh Halfpenny
RW 14   Alex Cuthbert
OC 13   Brian O'Driscoll
IC 12   Jonathan Davies
LW 11   George North
FH 10   Johnny Sexton
SH 9   Mike Phillips   62'
N8 8   Jamie Heaslip
OF 7   Sam Warburton (c)
BF 6   Tom Croft   72'
RL 5   Paul O'Connell
LL 4   Alun Wyn Jones   70'
TP 3   Adam Jones   51'
HK 2   Tom Youngs   64'
LP 1   Alex Corbisiero   51'
Replacements:
HK 16   Richard Hibbard   64'
PR 17   Mako Vunipola   51'
PR 18   Dan Cole   51'
LK 19   Geoff Parling   70'
FL 20   Dan Lydiate   72'
SH 21   Ben Youngs   62'
FH 22   Owen Farrell
WG 23   Sean Maitland
Coach:
  Warren Gatland

Man of the Match:
Israel Folau (Australia)[43]

Touch judges:
Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Romain Poite (France)
Television match official:
Vinny Munro (New Zealand)


25 June 2013
19:40 AEST (UTC+10)
Melbourne Rebels  0–35British & Irish Lions
Report[44]Try: Murray 15' c
Maitland 27' c
O'Brien 49' c
Penalty try 62' c
B. Youngs 72' c
Con: Farrell (3/3) 16', 28', 50'
Hogg (2/2) 63', 73'
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Attendance: 28,648
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Second test

29 June 2013
20:05 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  16–15British & Irish Lions
Try: Ashley-Cooper 74' c
Con: Lealiifano (1/1) 76'
Pen: Lealiifano (3/3) 16', 23', 36
Report[45]Pen: Halfpenny (5/7) 9', 27', 32', 39', 62'
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Attendance: 56,771
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
FB 15 Kurtley Beale
RW 14 Israel Folau
OC 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
IC 12 Christian Lealiifano
LW 11 Joe Tomane
FH 10 James O'Connor
SH 9 Will Genia
N8 8 Wycliff Palu   60'
OF 7 Michael Hooper
BF 6 Ben Mowen
RL 5 James Horwill (c)
LL 4 Kane Douglas   53'
TP 3 Ben Alexander   58'
HK 2 Stephen Moore
LP 1 Benn Robinson   60'   76'
Replacements:
HK 16 Saia Fainga'a
PR 17 James Slipper   60'   76'
PR 18 Sekope Kepu   58'
LK 19 Rob Simmons   53'
FL 20 Liam Gill   60'
SH 21 Nick Phipps
CE 22 Rob Horne
FB 23 Jesse Mogg
Coach:
  Robbie Deans
 
FB 15   Leigh Halfpenny
RW 14   Tommy Bowe
OC 13   Brian O'Driscoll
IC 12   Jonathan Davies
LW 11   George North
FH 10   Johnny Sexton
SH 9   Ben Youngs   53'
N8 8   Jamie Heaslip   62'
OF 7   Sam Warburton (c)   66'
BF 6   Dan Lydiate
RL 5   Geoff Parling
LL 4   Alun Wyn Jones
TP 3   Adam Jones   58'
HK 2   Tom Youngs   56'
LP 1   Mako Vunipola
Replacements:
HK 16   Richard Hibbard   56'
PR 17   Ryan Grant
PR 18   Dan Cole   58'
FL 19   Tom Croft   66'
FL 20   Seán O'Brien   62'
SH 21   Conor Murray   53'
FH 22   Owen Farrell
WG 23   Alex Cuthbert
Coach:
  Warren Gatland

Man of the Match
Christian Lealiifano (Australia)

Touch judges:
Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Romain Poite (France)
Television match official:
Ben Skeen (New Zealand)


Third test

6 July 2013
20:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Australia  16–41British & Irish Lions
Try: O'Connor 40' c
Con: Lealiifano (1/1) 40'
Pen: Lealiifano (3/3) 8', 41', 45'
Report[46]Try: Corbisiero 1' c
Sexton 57' c
North 64' m
Roberts 67' c
Con: Halfpenny (3/4) 2', 57', 69'
Pen: Halfpenny (5/5) 7', 12', 15', 25', 51'
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Attendance: 83,702
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
FB 15 Kurtley Beale
RW 14 Israel Folau   27'
OC 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
IC 12 Christian Lealiifano
LW 11 Joe Tomane
FH 10 James O'Connor
SH 9 Will Genia   70'
N8 8 Wycliff Palu   60'
OF 7 George Smith   4'   9'   27'   35'   66'
BF 6 Ben Mowen
RL 5 James Horwill (c)
LL 4 Kane Douglas   62'
TP 3 Ben Alexander   24' to 34'   35'
HK 2 Stephen Moore   55' to 63'   72'
LP 1 Benn Robinson   66'
Replacements:
HK 16 Saia Fainga'a   55'   63'   72'
PR 17 James Slipper   66'
PR 18 Sekope Kepu   27'
LK 19 Rob Simmons   62'
FL 20 Ben McCalman   60'
FL 21 Michael Hooper   4'   9'   66'
SH 22 Nick Phipps   70'
FB 23 Jesse Mogg   27'
Coach:
  Robbie Deans
 
FB 15   Leigh Halfpenny
RW 14   Tommy Bowe
OC 13   Jonathan Davies
IC 12   Jamie Roberts   69'
LW 11   George North
FH 10   Johnny Sexton   63'
SH 9   Mike Phillips   51'
N8 8   Taulupe Faletau   55' to 59'
OF 7   Seán O'Brien   59'
BF 6   Dan Lydiate
RL 5   Geoff Parling   67'
LL 4   Alun Wyn Jones (c)
TP 3   Adam Jones   55'
HK 2   Richard Hibbard   47'
LP 1   Alex Corbisiero   67'
Replacements:
HK 16   Tom Youngs   47'
PR 17   Mako Vunipola   67'
PR 18   Dan Cole   55'
LK 19   Richie Gray   67'
FL 20   Justin Tipuric   55'
SH 21   Conor Murray   51'
FH 22   Owen Farrell   63'
CE 23   Manu Tuilagi   69'
Coach:
  Warren Gatland

Man of the Match
Leigh Halfpenny (British & Irish Lions)

Touch judges:
Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Television match official:
Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

Attendances

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The tour drew record attendances to several of the 10 matches. The Lions opened the tour in front of 28,643 for a game against the Barbarians at the Hong Kong Stadium. Their first game in Australia attracted 35,103 to Patersons Stadium for their opening match in Australia against the Western Force, while their next game against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium attracted a record Reds home attendance of 50,136. The game against the ACT Brumbies attracted 21,655 to Canberra Stadium for the Lions first loss of the tour. Three days before the game against the Brumbies, 40,805 saw the Lions thrash the New South Wales Waratahs 47–17 at the Sydney Football Stadium. In the only tour game played after the test series had started, the Lions attracted a rugby union record crowd of 28,648 to AAMI Park where they defeated the Melbourne Rebels 35–0.

The test series against Australia was even more successful and drew the record sporting attendance to each stadium used. The first test saw 52,499 at Suncorp Stadium, the second test drew 56,771 to Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, while 83,704 attended the third and deciding test at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Broadcasting

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Fox Sports and Network Ten televised the tour in Australia, and in the UK and Ireland the games were shown by Sky Sports. Talksport provided live UK radio commentary of all matches.[47]

Sky Sports NZL covered the tour in New Zealand and SuperSport in South Africa. In Europe, Sky Italia showed the tour in Italy, Vatican City and San Marino while Canal+ covered it in France, Andorra and Luxembourg. The tour was covered by Setanta Sports Asia across most of Asia and the Pacific Islands and J Sports showed fixtures in Japan. Gulf DTH covered the Arabic countries in Asia. ESPN Latin America showed the tour in South America and DirecTV in America (on Channel 490) and Setanta Sports Canada in Canada.[48]

Sponsors

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HSBC is the main sponsor of the Lions, having also sponsored their 2009 tour to South Africa. Adidas are the playing and training supplier and have been since the 1997 tour, while Rhino supply training aids. Microsoft are the Lions' technology partners and Thomas Pink supply the official formal and evening wear for the team.[49] Qantas are the official airline of the tour, as well as the main sponsors of the Wallabies.[50] DHL are the sponsors of the tour itself and Gilbert provide all match balls. Specsavers are the sponsors of all match officials.[51]

References

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  1. ^ Heywood, Marc (1 June 2013). "Lions begin with a bang". lionsrugby.com. British Lions. Archived from the original on 7 June 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  2. ^ Palmer, Bryn (22 June 2013). "Lions 2013: Australia 21–23 British and Irish Lions". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  3. ^ "Lions 2013: Alun Wyn Jones captain as Brian O'Driscoll omitted". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 3 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  4. ^ "British and Irish Lions delay naming team for Saturday's series decider". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  5. ^ Rees, Paul (6 July 2013). "Lions maul Australia as Leigh Halfpenny and George North seal series". The Observer. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  6. ^ "British and Irish Lions thrash Australia to seal series win". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 6 July 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  7. ^ "British and Irish Lions / Most team points in a match". ESPN Scrum. ESPN Sports Media. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  8. ^ Cleary, Mick (6 July 2013). "Magnificent Lions achieve greatness as they win tour with record score". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  9. ^ "Lions 2013: Jonny Wilkinson out but Sam Warburton is captain". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 30 April 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  10. ^ Kitson, Robert (30 April 2013). "More hopes dashed than ever as Warren Gatland names 37". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  11. ^ "Dylan Hartley hit with 11-week ban". ESPN. 25 May 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  12. ^ "Banned Dylan Hartley replaced by Rory Best on Lions tour". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 27 May 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  13. ^ Palmer, Bryn (5 June 2013). "Lions 2013: Injured Cian Healy is cited over alleged bite". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  14. ^ Hamilton, Tom (8 June 2013). "Lions rocked by Jenkins blow". ESPN. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  15. ^ "Lions suffer Tommy Bowe injury blow". ESPN. 8 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  16. ^ "Lions add Simon Zebo to the mix". ESPN. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  17. ^ Lowe, Alex (15 June 2013). "Lions 2013: Christian Wade called up as injury cover and withdrawn from England side to play Argentina". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  18. ^ "Wade and Barritt called up by Lions". ESPN. 15 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
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  21. ^ Cole, Rob (23 June 2013). "Court called up by Lions". lionsrugby.com. British Lions. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
  22. ^ Gray was announced as a Sale Sharks player, but is classed as unattached by the Lions having left Sale at the end of April.
  23. ^ "2013 Tour Squad – Richie Gray". lionsrugby.com. British Lions. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  24. ^ "Lions to play Barbarians in Hong Kong in 2013". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 18 October 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  25. ^ "Sir Ian McGeechan could lead 2013 Lions tour". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 19 October 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  26. ^ "Wales endorse Warren Gatland's Lions coaching bid". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 20 March 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  27. ^ "Wales give Warren Gatland blessing as Lions coach". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 13 February 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  28. ^ "Warren Gatland offered British and Irish Lions head coach job". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 25 March 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  29. ^ Robertson, Ian (4 September 2012). "Lions 2013: Warren Gatland named coach for Australia series". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  30. ^ "Lions 2013: Warren Gatland promises impartial selection". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 5 September 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
  31. ^ "Deans completes Wallabies squad". ESPN. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  32. ^ "Qantas Wallabies squad confirmed for the DHL Australia 2013 Lions Tour". rugby.com.au. Australian Rugby Union. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  33. ^ "Wallabies draft in Morahan". ESPN. 11 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  34. ^ "George Smith called up to Wallabies squad". Rugby.com.au. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
  35. ^ "British and Irish Lions v Barbarians". ESPN scrum.
  36. ^ "Lions Tour News". British & Irish Lions.
  37. ^ Report
    Nine tries in Perth lay down the gauntlet in Australia, Lions, 5 June 2013
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  43. ^ Cole, Rob (23 June 2013). "Folau fever spreading". lionsrugby.com. British Lions. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
  44. ^ Report
    Lions
  45. ^ Report
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  46. ^ Report
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  47. ^ "2013 Tour Schedule". Lions Tour. 30 April 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  48. ^ Brown, Mike (22 May 2013). "Broadcasters and Broadcast Territories". lionsrugby.com. British Lions. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  49. ^ "Sponsors". lionsrugby.com. British Lions. 14 December 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
  50. ^ "A Warm Welcome from Qantas". lionstour.com. Lions Rugby Travel. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
  51. ^ McPherson, Ian (25 April 2013). "Officials receive Specsavers backing for Lions tour". SportsProMedia. Retrieved 26 June 2013.
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