The Western Force will be the first opponent on Australian soil for The British & Irish Lions in 2025, just as they were 12 years ago.

At Optus Stadium on Saturday, the Lions will be aiming to get off to a flying start in Australia, having beaten the Force 69-17 back in 2013.

Brian O’Driscoll scored two tries that day as he captained the side alongside Manu Tuilagi in midfield, while Leigh Halfpenny gave an indication of what was to come with a perfect 11 from 11 from the kicking tee in a 24-point haul.

Here we find out a bit more about the next Lions opponents:

History

The Force came into existence in 2006 and endured a difficult first season in Super Rugby, although they did manage a draw at home to eventual champions the Crusaders.

They enjoyed an uptick in fortunes the following year, having signed Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell among others, while the likes of Digby Ioane and James O’Connor soon came through the ranks.

John Mitchell, now the Red Roses head coach, was in charge at the time, overseeing the first four years of the Force’s existence.

The Force remained in Super Rugby through to 2017 before they were one of three teams cut as the competition was reduced from 18 to 15 teams.

They then spent three years playing in Global Rapid Rugby and the National Rugby Championship, before returning to Super Rugby in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Initially, that was as part of Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, and the Force have since become part of Super Rugby Pacific. Among those who played for the side during their return to Super Rugby were two-time Lions tourist Rob Kearney and All Black World Cup winner Richard Kahui.

Their most recent season saw them finish in ninth place, missing out on the qualifying finals after a late-season slump that saw them lose their last five matches, having been fourth at one stage in the season.

Squad

The Force squad, coached by former Toyota Verblitz coach Simon Cron, is a mixture of players from a range of different backgrounds.

They have eight players in the current Wallabies squad, with five of those released back for this encounter with the Lions.

Among them is experienced scrum-half Nic White and powerful second row Darcy Swain, although Carlo Tizzano, the record try-scorer for the Force in a single season, and fly-half Ben Donaldson have remained with the Wallabies.

Lions fans will also be familiar with Kurtley Beale, who played in all three Tests for Australia back in 2013, while hooker Nic Dolly won one cap for England during a three-year spell at Leicester Tigers.

Players to watch

It is hard to look past Swain, an uncompromising lock who made his Australian debut four years ago and moved across to the Force this season from the Brumbies.

Along with Jeremy Williams, who is still with the Wallabies, Swain has played a key role in the Force being one of the most dangerous teams in Super Rugby Pacific on opposition lineouts.

That will be a key area for the Lions after a few shaky moments at lineout time against Argentina last Friday.

Keep an eye too on Nick Champion de Crespigny, a former rower, who has emerged at the highest level a little later than most.

Spotted by Frenchman Pierre-Henry Broncan, who spent time coaching in Australia, Champion de Crespigny moved to Castres for the 2021/22 season and helped the side reach the Top 14 final in his first season.

He remained there for three seasons before returning to Australia and has been so effective alongside Tizzano that he was named in Joe Schmidt’s Wallaby squad to prep for the Lions.

Venue

Optus Stadium was opened in 2018 and its capacity of 61,266 makes it the third largest stadium in Australia.

It is primarily used for Australian rules and cricket while it has also become a regular host of State of Origin matches between Queensland and New South Wales.

In rugby union, Optus Stadium has hosted both Bledisloe Cup matches as well as home clashes with the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.

And in 2022, it was the venue for the first Test of England’s tour of Australia.

Away from sport, it is also a popular music venue, having hosted Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift among others.