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Farrell says debate over Australia as Lions destination 'insulting' / Photo: © AFP
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Farrell says debate over Australia as Lions destination 'insulting'
British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has dismissed talk that the Wallabies are not worthy opponents as "insulting" and said it would be "tragic" if Australia was axed as a tour host.
The Lions are seeking a series whitewash when they clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday, having won the first Test in Brisbane comfortably before edging a nail-biter at Melbourne last weekend.
Should they complete a clean sweep, it would be the first time since 1974 that they have gone through a Test series unbeaten. They have won all eight tour games so far.
Australia, part of a four-year rotation with New Zealand and South Africa as Lions destinations, are sixth in the world rankings, having dropped as low as 10 after a horror 2023 World Cup.
It has sparked chatter that the Lions should seek tougher competition and better commercial opportunities elsewhere, with Argentina and France said to be keen for a slice of the action.
But Farrell said it was not on his radar and would be a mistake to dismiss Australia.
"I don't think it was ever on the agenda, in my opinion," Farrell told British media Friday of any threat to Australia as hosts.
"It would be tragic for us not to tour here. We've had a blast, and to me it's insulting to even talk about it in that type of way."
Australia are undergoing a rebuild with coach Joe Schmidt after being dumped out of the 2023 World Cup at the pool stages for the first time when Eddie Jones was at the helm.
Schmidt has been credited with bringing stability and a new work ethic, while blooding a lot of young players, with his efforts seen as work in progress.
"Every single team, country, province has their ups and downs, but Australia with the sporting nation they are, are always going to come back," added Farrell.
"That performance (by Australia) on the weekend was no surprise to us, and that's why we expect them to be better on Saturday.
"Have a look at the year they've got coming up. They're going to be a force to be reckoned with 100 percent, through all their experiences, come the World Cup in 2027."
The Lions first toured Australia in 1888.
F.Young--SFF
