Prop Nick Stiles played through a golden era of Wallaby rugby at the turn of the century, including in all three Tests in 2001 as Australia beat the Lions in one of the great series.
He has since enjoyed a storied coaching and management career in Queensland, Japan, and with the Melbourne Rebels.
“It’s a massive threat to the future of rugby, the money the AFL and NRL have, to target the youth and get the kids well before they become a rugby fan,” he explains.
“That’s what we are finding at the moment.”
The lack of hype around this Lions series, and the lack of belief in Australian rugby from top to bottom, was manifested in a meek first-Test showing in Brisbane, a source of frustration for former Wallabies like Stiles.
For all the talk of development and progression, and long-term building, there is a nagging feeling this Lions tour has been a missed opportunity for the sport here.
“When the Wallabies do win, and they get on winning runs, you can just see the energy of the fans as they come out and support the team,” added Stiles.
“I am concerned about what the ramifications of a whitewash will have to the Australian fan. There has been so much build-up towards this golden generation.
“This is a window we have to get right. We have got to grab it. That is the concern if this is a whitewash.”
But despite the flatness of the tour matches, and the lack of fervour compared to rugby hotbeds like South Africa and New Zealand, there is little doubt the Lions will be back in Australia again.
The money generated, the incredible stadiums and the greatness of Australia as a sporting country all ensure this.
“I think the good thing with rugby is that history is important,” Stiles says.
“I know there’s been a bit of talk about the Lions not coming back in 12 years, but I just think that there’s too much history involved for that to fall away.
“So I don’t see that happening at all. It’s too big a beast for it to fall away in 12 years’ time.”
The tour belatedly exploded into life in Melbourne, an epic match in a magnificent stadium, with talking points and controversy aplenty. And while this Saturday may be a dead rubber, there is plenty on the line.
The Lions are desperate to seal their legacy and make history by winning 3-0, while the Wallabies have little time to waste if the golden decade is going to propel the sport back into the public consciousness by 2027.
“If you get to put on your country’s colours. It always matters,” adds Hooper.
“I love this country and the passion that it has for sport. There is no question this country is hungry for sport and hungry for sport at the highest level.
“[The 2027 World Cup] is one of the biggest events in the world and we get to have it here in two years, and you can’t help but get swept up in that.”
