The British and Irish Lions have announced their schedule for 2017 tour to New Zealand. The Lions will play each of the five Super Rugby outfits, as well as a Provincial union team and the New Zealand Maori, before the three test series at the end of the tour.
The first and third test will be in the same stadium, Auckland’s Eden Park, while the second test will take place in Wellington at the Westpac Stadium.
The Lions have not beaten New Zealand for 44 years, and their last trip – in 2005 – ended in ignominy with a 3-0 whitewash. Their 2-1 win over Australia in 2013 was their first series victory for 16 years.
2017 British and Irish Lions tour fixtures:
3 June – Provincial union team (Toll Stadium, Whangarei)
7 June – Blues (Eden Park, Auckland)
10 June – Crusaders (AMI Stadium, Christchurch)
13 June – Highlanders (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin)
17 June – Maori (International Stadium, Rotorua)
20 June – Chiefs (Waikato Stadium, Hamilton)
24 June – New Zealand (First Test, Eden Park, Auckland)
27 June – Hurricanes (Westpac Stadium, Wellington)
1 July – New Zealand (Second Test, Westpac Stadium, Wellington)
8 July – New Zealand (Third Test, Eden Park, Auckland).
12 replies on “British & Irish Lions announce 2017 New Zealand tour fixtures”
Team for first test:
Marler, Hibbard, Cole, AWJ, Lawes, O’Mahony, Warbuton, Vunipola, Murray, Sexton, North, Roberts, JJ, Williams, Halfpenny
Vunipola, Youngs, Lee, Launchbury, O’Brien, Youngs, Ford, Davies
That didn’t take long! Make a note of this team and see how it compares in 2 years’ time.
If I was picking the team now, this would probably be it. But in two years time I think quite a few of these will have changed.
I think most likely to change is Hooker, I can’t see Hibbard still being in there. One thing is for sure.. Hartley will be nailed on for the squad, only to do something stupid and get banned.
Any idea when they make a decision as to who coaches the team? This could make a big difference to the selection!!
My money’s on Lancaster! Been a while since an Englishman took the reins.
Please not Lancaster, and I’m an England fan who thinks he’s doing OK so far. Long term growth and team building he is fine at, but for the Lions I’m not sure.
I vote Schmidt, even though it means another overseas coach.
Surely Schmidt is nailed on. Proven himself to be a brilliant tactical coach – exactly what is needed for a Lions tour.
Team if it was tomorrow:
Marler, Best, Lee, Launchbury, AWJ, O’Mahoney, Warburton, Vunipola, Youngs, Sexton, North, Roberts, JJ, Bowe, Kearney
Healy, Youngs, Cole, Lawes, O’Brien, Murray, Ford, Williams
My prediction will be that there will be at least one player in the XV who is still to make his International Debut – no idea who though.
The Lions beat NZ in 1993 in the 2nd Test.
I assume Jamie means that the Lions have not won a test series against NZ since 1971 and the days of Carwyn James.
Interesting that no-one has mentioned Armitage as an outside bet for the 7 shirt?
I was under the impression Gatland was under contract as coach until after the tour ??.
You don’t have Lions contracts for coaches that are that long. It’s a 12 month job only. Otherwise he’d be getting paid now for it! Which I’m sure he’d love!