Wallabies turn to AC/DC for help ahead of first B&I Lions Test
SPOTLIGHT: Classic Aussie rock is readying the Wallabies for the “crazy stuff” that’s come to be expected from a British & Irish Lions Test in Brisbane.
A full Lang Park will usher in the three-Test series opener on Saturday.
A buzzing contingent of travelling Lions fans are expected to be in full voice to write another chapter.
A sparring Nick Farr-Jones was at the centre of what was dubbed the Battle of Ballymore in 1989, a match described as the “most violent game of rugby that has ever been played” by Lions flank Mike Teague.
In 2001, the Lions bullied the Wallabies at the Gabba before John Eales’ star-studded side rebounded to win the series 2-1.
And in 2013, Kurtley Beale slipped while attempting what would have likely been the match-winning penalty goal, kick-starting a drama-charged series the hosts lost 1-2.
“Bloody red jerseys everywhere,” former Wallabies star Toutai Kefu recalled this week of the 2001 opener.
“We were pretty confident going into that game and, ‘Wow’.
“That physicality, that quickness, that ferociousness. We got punched in the face in that first Test.”
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Queensland product Tate McDermott, set to earn minutes as a starter or off the bench at scrumhalf on Saturday, wants to make sure that doesn’t happen to his men.
“We don’t know what to expect … a huge occasion and crazy stuff happens there all the time,” he said of Lang Park.
“The fans are going to be crawling and vocal, on both sides.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but it’s exciting.
“We just need to harness the excitement in the right way.”
Wallaby lock Jeremy Williams is bracing for the hostility and volume, particularly at line-out time when clear communication is essential.
The Western Force skipper revealed the team had been cranking up the speakers to replicate what they might encounter on Saturday.
“A bit of everything, loud screaming, a bit of AC/DC,” he said of their playlist.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about; we’ve used music as a tool to try and distract the boys from the calls we want to make.”
Both sides have gone out of their way to remain respectful in the lead-up, but Williams admitted emotions could spill over on Saturday.
“It’s physical, competitive -those things may or may not happen, you never really know,” he said.gf
