I have noticed a big gap between 1966 and 1989 when Lions teams did not tour Australia prior to touring New Zealand. What was the reason for this -- were Wallaby sides not considered competitive during this period ?I have noticed a big gap between 1966 and 1989 when Lions teams did not tour Australia prior to touring New Zealand. What was the reason for this -- were Wallaby sides not considered competitive during this period ?

The 1966 :Lions tour was to New Zealand, the same as the year before the Springboks played two tests here. In both instances, the main reason for their visit was the All Blacks. Both these tours only saw two tests played by each visiting team. 1989 was the first year when we hosted a full Lions tour. We were not really deemed good enough to host a full Lions tour. After 1966 the next tour would have been 1978/9 if we were to received one. At that stage we were improving as a rugby nation.