Aussies inspired by Brumbies' triumph over Lions

Australia openside Michael Hooper insists the Wallabies will draw inspiration from the British and Irish Lions’ first defeat of their 2013 tour.

The Lions were edged 14-12 in Canberra by a Brumbies team missing eight internationals, slumping to their first loss in a provincial match since 1997.

It was a dismal performance and although none of the starting XV will be involved at the Suncorp Stadium this weekend, other than possibly providing cover from the bench, it will have lifted Australian spirits.

Up until yesterday the Lions had enjoyed a procession through their previous five tour games, leading to their odds of winning the Test series being repeatedly slashed.

Hooper views the setback as proof of the Lions’ fallibility.

“There are definitely lessons to be learned from the Brumbies game. First and foremost they got the win and it’s great for the boys down in Canberra,” the 21-year-old said.

“It proves the Lions are beatable. We beat them in 2001 in the Test series and we’re taking a lot from that as well.

“We can take a fair bit from the way the Brumbies won because we can assume the whole Lions squad will play in a similar way.

“The Brumbies winning puts a bit of pressure on us, but that’s pressure that we want and can handle.”

The Lions name their Test XV early tomorrow morning with the line-up set to be dominated by Wales, a team that has lost their last eight matches to Australia.

“It will be a different team on Saturday and we’re expecting quite a large Welsh contingent,” Hooper said.

“We played them a few times last year and won, so we have come across a lot of their players.

“That familiarity with the Welsh will benefit us. We’ve had the luxury of playing them six times in the last year and a half and four times in 2012.”