Wallabies debutant’s bold comments after Lions defeat speak volumes

Debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny insists the Wallabies’ mission remains the same against the British & Irish Lions, with the men in gold now in a fight to claw their way back from a one-nil deficit to win the three-Test series.

After an impressive rookie season with the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific, Champion de Crespigny was named in Australia’s squad to face Fiji. Champion de Crespigny didn’t take the field in that Test earlier this month, but got an opportunity in the Lions Series opener.

With talk of a three-nil series sweep for the Lions going into the Test, the Wallabies went into the highly anticipated clash at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium as firm underdogs, with the tourists living up to their ‘favourites’ label from the get-go.

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Finn Russell knocked over a penalty goal in the first minute before Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu, England’s Tom Curry, and Ireland’s Dan Sheehan crossed for a try each. With the Lions leading 24-5 early in the second term, fans from up north were in full voice during a memorable win.

The Wallabies outscored the Lions 14-10 during the second half, reducing the deficit to eight points by full-time, but it was still an emphatic loss. With it all to play for in Melbourne next weekend, Champion de Crespigny said there’s still a lot of belief within the Wallabies.

“For us, we knew you’re going to have to go win two games so that doesn’t change,” Champion de Crespigny told reporters post-game.

“There’s a lot of belief in what we can do and our game plan.

“We’ll just rebuild.

“The belief has stayed the same.”

Champion de Crespigny has trekked the road less travelled to become a Wallaby, spending a few seasons overseas in the Top 14 with Castres before returning to Australia’s shores, signing with the Force ahead of the 2025 season.

Alongside Wallabies Jeremy Williams and Carlo Tizzano, Champion de Crespigny was among the standouts for the Force. Champion de Crespigny was a genuine bolter named in the Wallabies squad for Fiji, but the backrower repaid the faith against the Lions.

In a 66-minute shift, Champion de Crespigny completed a team-high 17 tackles on Saturday night, which was third overall. While Rob Valetini is expected to slot back into the run-on side after recovering from an injury, Champion de Crespigny’s debut was a real positive.

“It was a very special week,” Champion de Crespigny reflected.

“I felt I’d been prepared really well. Definitely some nerves coming in tonight…Running out there, seeing my friends and family, all of this crowd and the Lions supporters, it was a great experience.

“It’s a pinnacle of rugby. It was incredible. I really enjoyed it, loved every moment.

“I did think it was a higher intensity here at that Test level, but I thought we really grew into the game in the second half there and we can take a lot of belief from that.”