There is exactly 365 days until the British & Irish Lions kick off their Test series against Australia at The Gabba.
Usually the playground of Australia’s cricketing and AFL stars, the venue will provide the opening stage for a hotly anticipated contest between Andy Farrell’s Lions and Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies.
While there is still a year to wait, here is a look at some of the tourists recent visits to the capital of Queensland.
2013
An enthralling encounter opened up the series last time the Lions toured Australia.
The Wallabies took an early lead at Suncorp Stadium after Israel Folau crossed the whitewash 12 minutes in and allowed James O’Connor to open his account from the kicking tee.
But the Lions hit back in style as a Leigh Halfpenny penalty kick was duly followed by a stunning score for George North.
Receiving the ball in his own half, the Wales wing broke through tackles, evaded yellow shirts and even wagged a finger in the direction of Will Genia as he dotted down.
Before the first-half was up, Folau struck again for Australia but Halfpenny’s laser precision from the tee helped push the tourists in front.
The lead was added to when Alex Cuthbert spotted a gap in the Wallabies’ defence and burst across the try line.
There were hearts in mouths for the remaining 30 minutes as both teams had their chances to win the contest.
O’Connor and Kurtley Beale penalties dragged Australia to within two points of their visitors with just over 10 minutes remaining.
With the clock ticking towards 80, Australia mounted a last-ditch attack to start the series with a win.
Winning a penalty kick outside the Lions’ 22m, 55,000 supporters fell to a hush as Beale lined up a kick for glory.
As the shot drifted wide, it was those donning red jerseys that leapt into the air in jubilation as a victorious series started on a high.
2001
Like in 2025, the 2001 Test series against Australia started in the capital of Queensland – at the iconic Gabba.
It took just three minutes for Jason Robinson to set the tone for the series.
First Test 30/6/2001
British and Irish Lions vs Australia
Scott Quinnell of the Lions celebrates his try
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Howley and Matt Perry all combined to send the cross-code legend across the try line and send the travelling support into overdrive.
Things would get even better when Dafydd James burst through golden jerseys after hard work from O’Driscoll and Robinson.
With a commanding 12-3 lead at the break, the Lions did not waste time extending their lead with a run from the masterful O’Driscoll within the first minute of the restart.
With 30 minutes remaining, the result was put beyond any doubt thanks to the brute force of Scott Quinnell.
Nathan Grey and Andrew Walker scored consolation tries in a frantic final 15 minutes but the Lions held on for a famous win.
A happy hunting ground
Brisbane has often proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Lions over the years.
In the second Test in 1989, the Lions began their series comeback with a 19-12 victory against their hosts in what later became known as the Battle of Ballymore.
A bruising encounter between the two teams, a try for Greig Martin and two Michael Lynagh penalties handed Australia a 12-6 half-time lead.
With five minutes left to play Rob Andrew reduced the Lions’ deficit to just three as Gavin Hastings and Jeremy Guscott touched down to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
There was jubilation 33 years prior when the 1966 Lions claimed a record 31-0 win over Australia.
On a Tour on which the Lions played 35 matches across Australia and New Zealand, it is this one that lives fondest in memory.
Tthe tourists led by just six points heading into the final quarter of the game before late tries from Ken Jones, Noel Murphy and Dewi Bebb completed a glorious win.
