Wallabies line up Fiji as B&I Lions 'practice'

01/28/2025 02:29 AM

NEWS: Australia will host Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, July 6, in what will be their only hit out before the highly anticipated three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions.

It will be the first time the Flying Fijians have played in Australia since 2017, with the teams having last met in the 2023 World Cup in France.

The men in gold will return to Newcastle International Sports Centre for what is just their third ever Test in the Hunter Region, having last played there against Argentina in a COVID-19 affected 2020 international season.

Australia and Fiji have met on 23 occasions in the Test arena, with the Wallabies holding a 19-3 winning record and one draw.

The Wallaroos will also run out in Newcastle this year, set to take New Zealand's Black Ferns on Saturday, May 10.

"It will be great to get the squad together and to have a genuine test match prior to the British and Irish Lions series," Wallaby coach Joe Schmidt said.

"In their bid to make the semifinals, Fiji were just six points shy of beating England at the last World Cup in 2023.

"They beat Wales in Cardiff last November and bring a physicality and flair that makes them entertaining to watch and tough to beat."

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