Inside Welsh Rugby

Inside Welsh Rugby

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Inside Welsh Rugby
Inside Welsh Rugby
Tour diary entry #11: It's just not cricket

Tour diary entry #11: It's just not cricket

The build-up continues to the second Test in Melbourne

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Ben James
Jul 23, 2025
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Inside Welsh Rugby
Inside Welsh Rugby
Tour diary entry #11: It's just not cricket
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It’s been a busy few days lately on tour, mainly for stuff happening away from the Lions.

Monday was a long day, with the Steve Tandy news breaking just as we interviewed Abi Tierney at the Lions’ team hotel.

It’s impossible to tell if a player is match-fit from sharing a lift - so I won’t bother offer up my thoughts on whether Mack Hansen could do 80 minutes on Saturday based on how he pressed the button for the lobby.

Tuesday night saw the Lions beat the First Nations and Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium.

Jac Morgan was withdrawn after 50 minutes, perhaps suggesting he could be in line for a Test spot.

More importantly, there was a chance to speak to him afterwards for the first time on tour.

The Wales captain is a man of few words, but he’s clearly touched by the level of support out here for him.

It would appear that virtually all of Cwmtwrch is Down Under.

They’re currently on the Gold Coast, but will be in Melbourne in time for Saturday’s game.

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