Lions legend Keith Wood is predicting that the 2013 tour of Australia will be even bigger and better than the 2001 adventure Down Under.
Britain and Ireland’s elite head south in 19 months’ time as they look to right the wrongs of a heartbreaking series defeat to the same opposition a decade ago.
Wood was one of the key figures in that memorable battle with the then world champion Wallabies as the Lions came so close to securing a famous success in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
The combative Irish hooker, who first etched himself into Lions’ folklore with a string of stellar performances in South Africa in 1997, saw first-hand the power of thousands upon thousands of travelling supporters as the Lions looked to achieve the ultimate goal against the might of John Eales, George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and co.
Wood remembers a sea of red at the Gabba for the stunning first Test triumph and the former Quins stalwart is expecting more of the same next time around.
“We were down in the bowels of the stadium and you could just hear this noise, like a train coming across the tracks,” said Wood in an exclusive video on lionstour.com, the home of the Lions’ official travel company.
“We had no idea what it was but we knew it was special.
“It was not until we came up those final few steps into the stadium that we realised it was full of red – and it was magic. You were literally carried the last few steps.
“It shocked the Aussies as much as our performance did and I am sure the 2013 tour will be even bigger in terms of support.”
To view Wood’s video, simply click here, while for all your travel information and to join the Lions party, check out www.lionstour.com
Fans can now guarantee their place on the 2013 Lions tour by signing up for a Priority Access Pass that will ensure access to the best flights, accommodation and official match tickets when the travel packages go on sale in early 2012.
