Lions rugby fans called out for 'underwhelming' atmosphere

Two games into the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia and the visitors have already hit full noise on the pitch.

But when will their fans find full voice in the stands? 

Bumper crowds in Perth and Brisbane have backed up the anticipated interest in this nine game tour, and Saturday's clash with the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium is on track to sell out.

Watch all the action from the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every match live and on demand

Fans celebrate during the tour match between Western Force and British & Irish Lions at Optus Stadium.

But those large attendance numbers are yet to translate to an electric, eardrum bursting, blood pumping atmosphere in the stadiums. 

It will come, I've no doubt, as the tour rolls on and the Test series arrives, and with it, more travelling fans.

But I have a very keen eye - and ear - on Saturday's fixture, to see and hear if the Lions fans want to announce their arrival with some noise, passion and their iconic home nations' chorus of songs. 

Fans during the tour match between Queensland Reds and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium.

To feel something of this nature is of course subjective.

I had one rugby punter tell me Wednesday's game at Suncorp Stadium was "the best football experience" they've had in 2025, and that includes attending game one of the men's State of Origin series at the same venue. 

And Queensland Reds and Wallabies star Hunter Paisami told me on the sidelines post-match that it was the best atmosphere he's ever experienced in his career - which includes having played all over the world.

NEW PODCAST! Star flanker Fraser McReight joins the boys live from inside Wallabies camp as they prepare for their clash against Fiji on Sunday

https://omny.fm/shows/between-two-posts-1/the-tour-has-begun/embed?in_playlist=podcast&style=Cover

But others have also expressed their surprise at 'lukewarm' crowd involvement in the opening two fixtures.

Now, let me be clear: has the atmosphere been bad? No. But have I - and others - found it underwhelming? Yes. 

As the teams ran out onto Suncorp, I wasn't hit with that wall of noise you often get at a venue many consider to be the best rectangular stadium in the world. 

Fans at Suncorp Stadium.

Instead it was more of a mild-mannered, polite 'welcome' from the crowd.

Even the famous "Lions, Lions, Lions" chant has barely been heard in the opening two games. 

It reared its head at one point as the Reds and Lions delivered a captivating, combative, competitive first half in Brisbane, but only lasted about 10 seconds before retreating back into the red and yellow seats of Lang Park. 

Spectators show support during the match between the Western Force and British & Irish Lions.

Maybe that was due to the local fans responding with a chorus of noise to drown out the visitors' support - which I hope Wallabies fans reproduce come July 19 for the first Test - but I thought the British and Irish were made of sterner stuff than to retreat so quickly.

The home nation fans are famous for their singing, passionate, often parochial support, but so far, it's yet to arrive - even though tens of thousands of fans are already here filling pubs, clubs, city streets and stadiums. 

Perhaps they're waiting for more of their comrades to arrive.

Lions fans look dejected.

Maybe they're saving themselves for the Test series, knowing full well a much-improved Wallabies will be harder to beat than the state teams and their beloved Lions will need that extra little bit of support. 

And while I'm on the topic, our own fans could also lean into the occasion a little more.

Throw on your team's colours to make your support more visible.

Add more gusto to your cheering to make your support more audible.

And if you're a Suncorp member - i.e. a patron who has a year-round membership to any event - get off your backside and get yourself to the ground. 

The crowd of 46,435 was the biggest for a Reds match at Suncorp Stadium in 12 years, but, sadly, there were a number of vacant seats in the bottom tier along the eastern side of the ground, which is the 'Stadium Members' section. 

https://x.com/StanSportRugby/status/1940591324715274712

Ticket sales for the match were outstanding - as they have been for all matches - but selling tickets doesn't guarantee everyone will show up. 

Imagine having the luxury of holding a full year membership which gives you access to any event at Suncorp and you choose to not make the most of your money by attending a once in 12 year event?! Nice for some. 

If you're not going to use your seat for the first Test on July 19, offer it back to the stadium to sell to someone who wants to be part of history - or give it to someone you know who will show up (preferably a Wallabies fan).

And if you are going to attend - which you bloody well should - throw on some gold, lots of gold, and warm-up the vocal chords. 

Show the northerners how to support a team.