If you asked Andrew Kellaway to sum up the British & Irish Lions series in one word, you might expect something rousing like “heartbreak” or “revenge.” Nope. The man goes with “momentum.”
“I think the team that ultimately won the game was able to capitalise on it when they had it and survived best when they didn’t,” Kellaway says. “I also think the series has given rugby, in a more general sense, a lot of momentum leading into a pretty exciting time for the game.”
Sure, the Wallabies lost 2–1, but you don’t just tick off a Lions tour. “It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity so to be able to be a part of those games, in particular the win (even if I was only on the park for 3 minutes) is incredibly memorable.”
Rain, Roar, and a Turning Point Named Jorgo
Game Three at Accor was different. It was wet, it was loud, and it felt like every carry mattered. The moment it shifted? Kellaway doesn’t hesitate:
“I think Jorgo’s (Max Jorgensen) try was definitely the turning point in my mind. It came of the back of physical defence and great linespeed from Len (Ikitau) and Su (Joseph Sua’ali’i) and Jorgo had the class to scoop up the loose ball and finish.”
It was also the night the Wallabies’ attack finally looked like it had read the same playbook. “I think what people saw in the 3rd test was bubbling away under the surface for a few weeks but, like any team that hasn’t played together for a while, it took a few games to click. I think it’ll get even better as the season goes on.”
And yes, that mid-game lightning break was just as weird for the players as it was for the crowd. “It was a career first for me and it was certainly strange. I think the credit has to go to our coaches, they made sure the edge stayed in the room and nobody really relaxed or switched off for too long. I think that was evident when the game restarted.”
Big Will, Big Mood
If anyone looked like they’d taken the series personally, it was Will Skelton. “Will’s a special player but even more, he’s a special human. The boys absolutely love having him around and he makes people around him feel big (not quite as big as him, though). It’s a really special trait to have and something we’re all better for.”
The goal now is to ride that momentum into the Rugby Championship and keep the bandwagon full. “I mentioned momentum above and I think it’s crucial for the team to continue to ride that wave. Not only on the field, but the support off the field has really grown, so it’d be great to be able to keep those people interested with strong performances throughout the TRC.”
Bok-Busting & Wallaby Weapons
Playing the Springboks is a bit like fighting a vending machine: they’re huge, they’re heavy, and you’ll hurt yourself if your technique’s off. “I think anytime you play the Springboks you have to be focused on the physical part of the game. Specifically around the tackle. They’re all big, strong men and if you aren’t top shelf with technique and intent, you’ll get found out pretty quickly.”
The Wallabies’ counter? A developing attack that’s more unpredictable than anything. “I think something that’s becoming unique for this Wallabies team is the type of attack we’re trying to play. It doesn’t always work the way we’d like, but when we get it going, it’s as good as any.”
Slipper, The Sommelier of Scrums
Then there’s James Slipper – the most capped Wallaby of all time. “Slips is like a fine wine. He’s getting better with age. He’s a classic old-school leader who prefers to do and not to talk. He’s great at keeping the group grounded and keeping the focus on the day-to-day, not getting lost in the hype of it all.”
Defender Duties (and Who’s Banned)
With Defender now in the Wallabies’ corner, the hypothetical of a free-use 110 outside the team hotel comes up. Who’s not allowed within 10 metres of it? Kellaway fires back instantly: “Hunter Paisami – he’s renowned for borrowing the boy’s cars and returning them with no petrol.”
Momentum. Energy. Confidence. And just enough petrol in the tank – as long as Paisami’s not driving.
The Wallabies take on the Springboks on the latter’s home turf for the opening of The Rugby Championship at 1:10 AM Sunday, August 17 (catch it via Stan Sport).
