Lions Player Ratings From Crushing 48-0 Victory Against The AUNZ XV
Lions Player Ratings From Crushing 48-0 Victory Against The AUNZ XV
The British and Irish Lions crushed the AUNZ XV 49-0 in Adelaide. Player ratings reveal standout performances, as test selection looms for Andy Farrell.
Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions delivered a ruthless statement of intent with a commanding 48-0 dismantling of an experienced AUNZ XV at Adelaide Oval.
From the opening whistle, the Lions were relentless—physical at the breakdown, clinical in attack and impenetrable on defense.
It was a performance that not only extended their unbeaten tour run, it also marked their most complete team display to date.
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This was only the second time the Lions had faced a combined Australia-New Zealand side—the first being the narrow 19-15 win over the Anzac XV in Brisbane in 1989.
But where that contest was a cliffhanger, this was a demolition.
With Ben White sparking the scoring and Henry Pollock and Ben Earl driving the tempo, the Lions surged ahead early and never looked back.
The historic Adelaide Oval—hosting its first Lions fixture, and just its fifth men’s rugby union test, saw a Lions side brimming with confidence and cohesion.
Standout displays from Hugo Keenan, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones highlighted the depth of talent available to Farrell.
As test selection looms, this dominant shutout leaves little doubt: the Lions are building something formidable.
Here’s how each player rated in the win over the AUNZ XV:
1. Pierre Schoeman - 4
Got busy in the loose as he got on the ball for some big rumbles.
His shaky work at scrum time is what is holding him back, as he conceded a few free kicks for pre-engaging and penalties for not driving straight.
Schoeman offered solid carries and physicality in open play, but his inconsistency at the set-piece remains a concern as test selection draws nearer.
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie - 4
Line-out overthrow in the fourth minute dented a decent start.
He was exceptionally physical around the breakdown, notably clearing out two defenders to allow Ben White's try.
His injury in the 36th minute was the result of his notorious low-tackling technique, raising concerns again.
A mixed bag, combining aggression with costly technical flaws.
3. Will Stuart – 3
Similar to Schoeman, the Bath tighthead is trailing in the test pecking order due to inconsistent scrummaging.
He was penalized several times for collapsing or instability. He showed effort in open play, but his early substitution tells the story.
He needs a statement performance to regain footing in selection talks.
4. James Ryan – 7
Dominated the line-out and topped the tackle count for Lions forwards with 16.
Ryan added four line-out wins to his stat line.
He brought energy and grunt, doing the dirty work well.
While excellent today, the depth chart above him makes test involvement a challenge, unless injuries hit.
5. Tadhg Beirne (c) – 6.5
The Munster lock continued to lead with heart and graft.
He claimed two crucial turnovers in the first half and was a menace at the breakdown.
He didn’t make as many flashy plays as Joe McCarthy did last time out, but his consistency and leadership make him an ever-reliable figure.
Subbed early, likely protected for test duties.
6. Henry Pollock - 8
Pollock was lively at line-out time and impressive in the loose.
A key moment was a missed chance in the 19th minute when he was held up, rather than passing.
However, his 75th-minute solo try showcased work rate and instinct.
Versatility and attacking flair may edge him into the test 23.
7. Jac Morgan - 6
Chopped down carriers with classic Dan Lydiate-like technique and worked hard in close quarters.
Didn’t offer much in wider play, where competition is stiff.
Beaten in contact in the 38th minute, which led to AUNZ pressure.
Solid, but may not have done enough to shift ahead of rivals.
8. Ben Earl - 8
Energetic and explosive, Earl was a standout in open play. He racked up 71 meters from 14 carries and made two turnovers.
Line speed was excellent, though he missed four tackles, which could hurt his test case.
Regardless, his impact with the ball in hand is undeniable and valuable.
9. Ben White – 8
Sharp and alert around the fringes. Spotted a gap in the ninth minute and darted through for a crucial early try.
Controlled tempo well before being withdrawn.
Not flashy, but clinical and composed. Kept the Lions ticking nicely in the opening exchanges.
10. Fin Smith – 6
Steady and composed throughout.
Controlled proceedings with intelligence, helping the Lions build structure.
Missed two conversions, which could be significant in tight test matches.
Made 18 of 20 tackles, showing his grit under pressure.
A quietly effective game that keeps him in the mix.
11. Duhan van Der Merwe – 5
Bagged a hat trick but benefited from team brilliance, rather than creating it himself.
Defensively shaky, especially with positioning.
A goal-line error and backfield confusion in the first half nearly cost the team.
He continues to be a paradox: irresistible going forward, suspect without the ball.
12. Sione Tuipulotu - 8
Superb distribution brought his outside backs into play with ease.
He held defenders with his running threat and linked beautifully with Huw Jones.
He scored a clever try early in the second half with slick footwork.
Versatility and playmaking spark enhance his credentials for the test team.
13. Huw Jones – 8
Alert and aggressive from the outset.
A smart read in minute 16 led to a massive break.
Defended stoutly, forcing a knock-on in minute 24, and made another incisive line break in the 29th.
Subbed early, possibly due to being test-ready. Looks assured and in Farrell’s thinking.
14. Mack Hansen – 7.5
Tireless in his defensive work, constantly scanning and stepping in where needed.
His assist for van der Merwe’s second was sublime, and his support play was intelligent throughout.
Took hits and kept going, proving his durability and form.
His chemistry with Keenan is flourishing.
15. Hugo Keenan - 8
Looked composed and classy from the first minute.
Set up a try with a quick-thinking line-out and contributed to several scores with slick distribution.
Provided crucial cover for van der Merwe’s defensive lapses.
With Kinghorn injured, Keenan has all but nailed down the test 15 jersey.
Replacements
16. Ronan Kelleher – 7
Entered in the 36th minute and immediately raised the intensity.
Took his try well at the front of the line-out, bulldozing through defenders.
Energetic in defense and will push Cowan-Dickie hard for a bench spot in the test 23.
17. Andrew Porter – N/A
N/A - Did not feature in this match.
18. Finlay Bealham – 7
One scrum penalty aside, Bealham was strong off the bench.
Shored up the set-piece and applied real pressure on the AUNZ pack.
Continued to enhance his case as a strong finishing tighthead option.
19. Scott Cummings – 7
Explosive off the bench with strong carries.
Scored a try through sheer pace and strength.
Added energy late on and kept the Lions on the front foot.
A powerful performance in limited minutes.
20. Josh van der Flier – 7
Made an instant impression.
His breakdown work was ferocious, and he executed a strip turnover in the 74th minute.
Continued his usual high standard and reminded selectors of his world-class ability.
21. Alex Mitchell – N/A
N/A - Too little time on the pitch to warrant a rating.
22. Marcus Smith – 6
Looked sharp in open play, blending kicks and passes with precision. However, his goal-kicking woes persist and may hinder his bench case.
Still offers something different and keeps defenders guessing.
23. Owen Farrell – 7
Entered with real authority, linking well with Tuipulotu and Marcus Smith.
Scrapped for possession and dictated tempo late on.
With the kicking struggles from others, he remains a serious contender for a bench spot next week.
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World Rugby Rankings 2025 - July 7, 2025
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- Japan - 73.70
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- Wales - 72.65
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