"Tupou vs Schoeman" - 3 Key Battles: NSW Waratahs vs British & Irish Lions

The Waratahs, will be eager to make a statement against the world rugby’s most iconic touring sides, did not have their finest season in Super Rugby. An eighth placed finish will spur on the Sydney side, with a season-saving shot of redemption against the star-studded men in red.

For the Lions, this is about sharpening set-piece execution, dominating the gainline, and easing Andy Farrell's selection headaches with statement-making performances ahead of the Test series. Once again, Here are the three key battles that could shape the outcome in Sydney.

This weekend’s bonus battle pits two seasoned campaigners against each other in the engine room. Fergus Lee-Warner, 31, is well known to Premiership fans from his stints with Worcester Warriors and Bath Rugby. Though primarily a back row, he slots in at lock for the Waratahs in this match, showcasing his versatility in the pack.

With Maro Itoje rested after the win over the Queensland Reds, the Lions have handed captaincy duties to Munster and Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne, another experienced and influential lock that keeps the armband in the engine room. This clash between two established leaders promises a physical and tactical showdown that could set the tone in the tight exchanges out in Sydney.

Scotland and Lions prop Pierre Schoeman faces a monumental task this Saturday as he goes head-to-head with the imposing Taniela Tupou at the scrum. Schoeman, starting on the loose-head side, will be tested against Tupou’s titanic tight-head presence.

Nicknamed the ‘Tongan Thor,’ Tupou is one of the most powerful scrummagers in world rugby, tipping the scales at a staggering 148kg and known for his raw strength and scrummaging dominance. Hailing from Nelspruit, South Africa, Schoeman is no stranger to going up against monster props, having spent four years (2014–2018) grinding his way through the physical Bulls system before making his mark in the Scottish capital city.

The 31-year-old, who also drew some banter for his South African background, from the Perth stadium announcer during the Lions’ clash with Western Force, will look to prove his mettle once again in this fierce frontline duel with huge implications for set-piece supremacy.

The Lions’ back three faces a crucial test against a dynamic Waratahs trio this Saturday. Hugo Keenan is set for his Lions debut after withdrawing from the Reds match due to illness, with Elliot Daly’s unfortunate forearm fracture opening the door for Keenan to stake a claim for a Test fullback spot. Owen Farrell has been called up to fill the gap, so no additional fullback will join the fray.

Alongside him, Blair Kinghorn arrives fresh off winning the Top 14 triumph with Toulouse, now fully focused on Lions duty and poised to rotate into fullback during the match if needed. Mack Hansen, after a mixed outing against Western Force where he was turned over multiple times, will be eager to make a statement and secure his place ahead of the Test series. His fellow Lions wings, Tommy Freeman and Duhan van der Merwe, impressed with their try-scoring form last Wednesday, raising the stakes for Hansen to deliver.

Opposing them is a potent Waratahs back three led by Andrew Kellaway, a 39-cap Wallaby and former Northampton Saints star, who was not benched in 12 starts throughout the latest Super Rugby season. Young gun Darby Lancaster, with just one Wallabies cap and recent standout performances at the Twickenham Stoop against England A, adds pace and creativity after scoring twice against Western Force.

Then there’s Lawson Creighton, the Waratahs’ versatile playmaker and uncapped Wallaby, who is has only called Sydney home for one season since arriving from Queensland Reds. Creighton has transitioned from fly-half to fullback this season, earning comparisons to Lions' multi-tool man Marcus Smith for his skillset.

A fascinating battle awaits on the flank between rising Lions sensation Henry Pollock and hard-hitting Wallabies enforcer Rob Leota. Leota, with 21 international caps, has clawed his way back into top form following a devastating Achilles rupture side-lined him for a season in 2022. The Melbourne-born powerhouse of Samoan and New Zealand heritage, made his Test debut in 2021 and has since become a key figure in Australia's forward pack.

Notably selected over Wallabies legend Michael Hooper for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Leota brings immense physicality and experience, having previously represented Australia at Schools and U20 levels. Whether at lock or blindside flanker, his aggressive ball-carrying and work at the breakdown will be central to the Waratahs' effort.

Facing him is the youngest player on the Lions tour, 20-year-old Henry Pollock. Perhaps best known so far on the tour for carrying the team mascot, BIL the lion, but Pollock is rapidly building his résumé in the red jersey. Normally a number eight in Andy Farrell's eyes, Pollock is being tested on the flank for the Lions, and impressed with a high-energy, fearless performance against the Western Force. Rested for the midweek win over the Reds, he’ll be keen to remind selectors of his Test potential with another standout showing.