British and Irish Lions set for debut at iconic 100,000-seat ‘greatest stadium on earth' first used nearly 200 years ago
GROUND UP British and Irish Lions set for debut at iconic 100,000-seat 'greatest stadium on earth' first used nearly 200 years ago
THE BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS are set for a historic encounter in one of the world's most esteemed venues.
The Lions will face Australia in their second test - after winning the first on Saturday in Brisbane - at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
5
The British and Irish Lions are set for a historic match
Credit: David Gibson/Fotosport/Shutterstock
5
The British and Irish Lions will compete at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
5
The British and Irish Lions will face Australia in the second Test
Credit: Morgan Hancock/Action Plus/Shutterstock
5
The British and Irish Lions won the first Test
Credit:5
The Melbourne Cricket Ground will hold a capacity of 100,000
Credit: CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images
And the big match is expected to be watched by a staggering capacity of 100,000.
The legendary stadium, which opened way back in 1853, has hosted a series of sporting events in the past.
That includes Aussie Rules, football, rugby league and of course cricket.
And now it will host a British and Irish Lions Test match for the first time on Saturday.
The crowd is expected to surpass the 84,000 that attended the Lions' deciders against Australia in Sydney back in 2001 and 2013.
The Wallabies' stars are counting down the hours until they get to step on the "Mecca of sport".
Rob Valetini told the BBC: "It's going to be really awesome for me.
And Harry Potter added: "It is a Mecca of sport in my eyes."
This comes after cricket legend Damien Fleming dubbed the ground as the "greatest sporting stadium in the world".
Despite the fact Melbourne isn't known for rugby union, the locals love sport and the G so much that officials are confident both teams will enjoy a stunning atmosphere.
Andy Farrell wants end to social media 'nonsense' after son Owen's Lions call
The exact number of Lions fans attending the game is hard to pinpoint due to expats living Down Under.
But it is estimated that more than 30,000 will make the long trip.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
9 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Alexander Isak to Liverpool twist as Eddie Howe drops huge Newcastle transfer bombshell
Eddie Howe has spoken out on the future of Alexander Isak at Newcastle and admits that the hierarchy will ultimately make a decision on whether or not to sell the Swede Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists the club have not put a timescale on a decision regarding Alexander Isak's future but confessed that the Liverpool target could leave the club this summer. The Swedish striker, who has become the team's leading light over his three years at St James' Park, has expressed a desire to explore his options away from the Magpies. It means Newcastle, despite winning a trophy and qualifying for the Champions League, could lose their best player. If Isak were to leave it would require a British-record transfer fee to tempt Newcastle and, currently, Liverpool are the only Premier League club to come forward. There is also interest in Saudi Arabia. Isak just enjoyed his best season to date in front of goal but is not part of the team's pre-season preparations at present, largely down to the speculation surrounding his future. Howe claimed there would be no immediate decision made as the club weigh up what's best in the long run. He said: "I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that. "But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That's what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation. "But I think there's a wider picture here. There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern day transfers. The manager of course has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board." He added: "Of course there's things going on behind the scenes (with Alex). He will be aware he's in the news every day, and I'm sure that's not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him. "He's been magnificent for us and he's very popular in the dressing room. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. I certainly hope he stays. And I said (last weekend) I was confident that he'd stay. I don't see anything that's going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football and who knows what the future may bring. "All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We're in a very strong position financially. We're determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We've got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward trajectory.' Liverpool have just spent £79m to land Hugo Ekitike as their new No 9 from Frankfurt, but that may not stop them going back into the market to explore a deal for Isak. Already the Reds have spent more than £200m but still have the scope to spend considerably more if needed. It would be a huge blow to Newcastle, who have made no secret about their ambitions. They've been able to invest gradually since their Saudi owners came in and have retained their top talent up until now.
Daily Mirror
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Marcus Rashford 'reunites with ex-fiancée Lucia Loi' as she 'supports him in big move'
England star Marcus Rashford has reported reignited his romance with his ex-fiancée Lucia Loi, as she was spotted supporting him as he signed with Barcelona FC, reports claim Football star Marcus Rashford has reportedly rekindled his romance with his ex-fiancée Lucia Loi as she was spotted supporting him as he made a big move. The Manchester United ace, 27, was spotted with his childhood sweetheart Lucia, 26, as he signed with Barcelona FC, according to reports. It has been claimed the pair were together during a photoshoot shortly before Marcus' signing was unveiled at Camp Nou stadium. Marcus is now on a season-long loan to the La Liga club from Manchester United. The news was announced on Barcelona FC's Instagram page in a video where he is seen speaking on the phone in a traditional London telephone booth, as he says: "It's official". Ahead of the new chapter for the football star, Marcus' ex was spotted at the photoshoot for his unveiling. The Sun reports Lucia took Marcus' photo and moved behind him to take another and checked his shirt before he posed alongside a British red phone box. Meanwhile, it's also been claimed Rashford has asked Lucia to help him settle into life in Spain in order for him to focus on his football. The on-off couple are said to have stayed close following their split, and have grown increasingly close in recent times. A source claimed to the publication: "Marcus knows that some of the best moments in his career have occurred when Lucia has been at his side. "They got together when they were very young and have had ups and downs, but a friendship has always remained. "He knows that she is good for him and she is one of the few people in the world he knows has got his best interests at heart." Meanwhile, the source also claimed Lucia is "very sensible" and helps to keep the football star "grounded". Rashford met childhood sweetheart Lucia in school and the pair dated for around eight years before splitting in May 2021. They rekindled their romance in 2022 and later that same year, Rashford popped the question to Lucia in Los Angeles. However, the pair's romance ended once again in June 2023 with Marcus reportedly going on to date Love Island star Grace Jackson, before things fizzled out at the end of 2024. The reported rekindling of Marcus and Lucia's romance comes at a big time in Rashford's career as he's the first England international to sign for Barcelona since Gary Lineker in 1986. Speaking on Barcelona's YouTube channel, Marcus said: "I'm very excited. It's a club where people's dreams come true, they win big prizes. "What the club stands for means a lot for me. I feel like I'm at home and a big factor in my choice to come here is because it is a family place and a good place for good players to showcase their skills. "Another factor is because the conversations I had with [Hansi Flick] were positive. What he did last season was terrific. To lead such a young team to a very successful season and come back to pre-season and still want to do more, it shows me everything I thought I knew about the club and it's everything I wished. I'm eager to learn the Barcelona way."
Evening Standard
an hour ago
- Evening Standard
Lions vs Australia LIVE: Latest score and updates from Second Test
The British and Irish Lions face the Wallabies in their second Test of their Australian tour, taking to the Melbourne Cricket Ground as they look to back up their opening Test victory in Brisbane. Andy Farrell's tourists overcame Joe Schmidt's hosts 27-19 at the Suncorp Stadium, producing a fair performance, but one that head coach Farrell and captain Maro Itoje will want to better when they take to the field in Victoria today.
