Key Takeaways As Lions Fall To Impressive Argentina In Tour Opener
Key Takeaways As Lions Fall To Impressive Argentina In Tour Opener
The British and Irish Lions suffer a narrow 28-24 loss to Argentina in Dublin, as set-piece strength and standout performances offer early tour positives.
Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions began their 2025 campaign with a disappointing 28-24 loss to Felipe Contepomi’s Argentina at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
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Despite trailing 21-10 at the interval, the Lions rallied to briefly take the lead in the 53rd minute. However, their resurgence was short-lived.
Santiago Cordero crossed for a decisive try five minutes later, with Tomás Albornoz adding the conversion to leave the hosts needing more than a penalty to respond.
Set-Piece Offers Encouragement
The Lions' dominance at the scrum was one of the notable positives.
Ellis Genge led the charge, repeatedly pressuring veteran Joel Sclavi and winning multiple penalties.
On the opposite side, late call-up Finlay Bealham twisted Mayco Vivas out of shape, adding to the visitors’ discomfort.
Luke Cowan-Dickie’s impact at hooker also proved vital, his power contributing to a maul that earned the Lions a penalty try early in the second half. However, when the replacements were introduced, the set-piece began to lose its edge, and the absence of Genge’s ball carrying was clearly felt.
Kicking Game Exposes Lions' Backfield
Argentina’s tactical kicking game caused significant disruption.
By varying their approach between contestable bombs and deep territorial punts, they found repeated success, particularly targeting Marcus Smith and Duhan van der Merwe.
The pressure told, with one such kick setting up Albornoz’s crucial try just before halftime.
The impending inclusion of specialist fullbacks, such as Hugo Keenan and Blair Kinghorn, should help shore up the backfield. Both are accomplished under the high ball and offer better positional coverage.
Freeman Shines In Patchy Performance
Early matches on Lions tours often lack fluency, with cohesion still developing. Even so, winger Tommy Freeman stood out.
Having previously lit up the Aviva Stadium in Northampton Saints colors, he once again was electric, impressive under the high ball, sharp on the counter and effective running off inside shoulders. He is now a front-runner for the No. 14 shirt.
The starting front row delivered a strong performance, while Tadhg Beirne was tireless at the breakdown and scored the try that briefly put the Lions ahead. Bundee Aki offered a strong carrying presence and distributed well in midfield.
Ultimately, though, a string of basic errors, handling mistakes, misjudged kicks and defensive lapses undermined the team’s best efforts.
Lessons To Take Forward
There are reasons for optimism.
As captain, Maro Itoje noted after the match, the Lions were effective when they played direct rugby, making consistent yardage through the middle.
The breakdown came deeper into phase play, where attacking shape broke down and unfamiliarity showed.
The scrum remains a potent weapon, and as more frontline players join the touring party, particularly the players from Leinster and the key contributors from Leicester and Bath, the squad’s quality and cohesion will improve.
Many of these additions already are familiar with Farrell’s systems through Ireland, offering a natural fit as the squad builds toward the test series against Australia.
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