"Multiple Lions Defeats" - Re-Wind: The British & Irish Lions' rivalry against the Waratahs

The latest chapter of this storied rivalry will be written this Saturday, as Andy Farrell's Lions take on their third Super Rugby club opponent of their tour. Having bounced back from defeat to Argentina with solid wins over the Western Force and Queensland Reds, the Lions will be eyeing up a third straight triumph over a proud resident of the land down under.

From the early encounters on sun-baked turf at the Sydney Cricket Ground to modern-day showdowns at a packed Sydney Football Stadium, these fixtures have tested touring giants against proud provincial warriors, often delivering drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.

While the Lions have typically arrived as favourites, they haven’t always had it their way. New South Wale, later rebranded as the Waratahs upon the dawn of Super Rugby, have drawn blood on multiple occasions, famously beating the Lions throughout the years and holding them to a gritty draw in 1966.

These results weren’t just blips in the Lions' script, they were seismic moments that shook touring squads and ignited belief in Australian rugby. With iconic players on both sides and shifting power dynamics through the decades, this rivalry is more than tradition; it’s a benchmark for where the game has been, and where it’s going.

New South Wales 2 - 18 British & Irish Lions

New South Wales 6 - 18 British & Irish Lions

New South Wales 2 -16 British & Irish Lions

The 1888 British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand and Australia was a pioneering venture that laid the foundation for over a century of Lions tradition. It was the first official overseas tour by a British rugby team, featuring a gruelling schedule and the tragic mid-tour death of original captain Robert Seddon, following the capsizing of a ship.

In Sydney, the Lions played three matches against New South Wales at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, winning all convincingly: 18–2 on 2 June, 18–6 on 9 June, and 16–2 on 4 August. The tourists’ pace, fitness, and expansive style proved too much for the local side, who struggled to match the structure and physicality of the visitors. Despite the defeats, these matches were pivotal for New South Wales, giving rise to a unearthed rivalry and helping to establish the Lions’ identity as rugby’s ultimate touring team.

New South Wales 3 - 4 British & Irish Lions

New South Wales 5 - 11 British & Irish Lions

The 1899 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia marked the first time a Lions side toured 'Oz' without also visiting New Zealand, and it was during this campaign that the first official Test matches between the Lions and Australia were played. Alongside the Tests, the Lions faced New South Wales twice at the Sydney Cricket Ground, securing hard-fought wins in both encounters. The opening clash ended 4–3 to the tourists in a bruising affair that highlighted NSW’s growing resilience.

In the second meeting, the Lions asserted more control, running out 11–5 winners. These tightly contested matches reflected the narrowing gap between the home sides and their more experienced visitors, and demonstrated how Australian rugby, particularly in New South Wales, was beginning to evolve into a genuine force on the world's stage.

New South Wales 0 - 27 British & Irish Lions

New South Wales 6 - 29 British & Irish Lions

New South Wales 0 - 5 British & Irish Lions

NSW Waratahs 17 - 47 British & Irish Lions

The 2013 edition was a statement. Under the cool command of Sam Warburton and the explosive finishing of George North and Leigh Halfpenny, the Lions tore through the Waratahs 47–17 at the Sydney Football Stadium with a heavy Welsh influence about their side. The Tahs, featuring the likes of Israel Folau in electric form and Wallabies veteran Bernard Foley pulling the strings, had their moments, but the Lions were ruthless, clinical, and roaring with intent.

This match was a warning shot ahead of the Test series. Bold, brutal, and brilliant. This was the Lions at full tilt, and the Waratahs caught the storm head-on. Now, the Lions prepare for the next meeting with the Waratahs, and the men from New South Wales will be on the hunt for their first win over the Lions in 66 years.