Player Ratings: Lions Survive FNP Scare In Final Midweek Tour Match
Player Ratings: Lions Survive FNP Scare In Final Midweek Tour Match
Player ratings from the Lions’ 24-19 win over First Nations and Pasifika in their final midweek match of the 2025 tour ahead of the second Australia test.
The British and Irish Lions closed out their midweek fixtures on the 2025 Australia tour with a hard-fought 24-19 win over the First Nations and Pasifika XV.
With test spots still up for grabs, this match offered a final opportunity for several fringe players to impress the selectors.
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Some seized the moment.
Jamie Osborne dazzled on debut with two tries, while others, particularly in the front row, struggled to make an impact.
From standout performances in the back row to key errors in the set piece, this was a game full of mixed signals for Andy Farrell's coaching team.
Here's how each Lion rated in a performance that was gritty, uneven and revealing ahead of the second test against Australia:
1. Pierre Schoeman – 4
Struggled mightily at scrum time, dismantled by Taniela Tupou in a concerning display.
While he did win a turnover and contributed nine carries and eight tackles in open play, his inability to assert himself at the set piece may have sealed his fate regarding test selection.
A disappointing outing overall, especially considering his typically high work rate.
2. Jamie George – 6
Line-out accuracy was excellent, and he was a rock defensively with 13 tackles before coming off in the 73rd minute.
He showed commitment in general play but lacked the dynamism seen in other Lions hooker options.
A few solid carries and link passes added value, but this performance didn’t do much to shift the pecking order in his favor.
3. Finlay Bealham – 3
Scrum struggles defined his outing, and though he improved as the match went on, it wasn’t enough.
His linking play in open field, particularly a clever inside ball to George, was impressive. However, being replaced after 50 minutes by Clarkson will frustrate him.
He’ll be disappointed not to have made a stronger statement with test selection looming.
4. James Ryan – 4
A disappointing display from the Irish lock, whose misread alongside Pollock allowed the First Nations' second try.
He received a yellow card and offered little impact elsewhere.
Though typically known for his grunt work, he failed to influence the breakdown or line-out in a meaningful way.
He was replaced in the 54th minute after a forgettable performance in a big opportunity.
5. Scott Cummings – 8
Superb all-around performance from the industrious Scottish lock.
He dominated at the line-out and brought relentless energy to the tackle and carry.
His quick liftoff and athleticism made clean Lions ball a near certainty.
With McCarthy possibly out injured, Cummings may be knocking loudly on the test door after an outstanding showing filled with work rate and execution.
6. Jac Morgan – 6
Delivered solid work at the breakdown and combined well with van der Flier for a key turnover in the 47th minute.
The Welsh captain was industrious in defense and contributed well in contact.
Substituted after 50 minutes, having made seven carries and eight tackles, he maintained his dependable level but didn’t provide the spark needed to demand a test place.
7. Josh van der Flier – 7.5
Energetic throughout and effective in both attack and defense.
His line running, particularly early on, caused the hosts problems, and he combined well with Morgan for a critical turnover.
Nearly scored in the 50th minute but was denied due to a knock-on.
A sharp performance from the Irish flanker, showcasing his class and reading of the game.
Ending his day with a team best 16 tackles, six carries, a line-break and a defender beaten.
8. Henry Pollock – 7.5
Mixed bag from the young backrower.
Was caught out for a try and got involved in unnecessary antics, but he redeemed himself with a game-saving turnover in the 79th minute.
He was aerially strong at line-out time, showing the Lions’ trust in his skill set.
Despite defensive positioning errors, his potential and late impact will please coaches as he continues to grow.
9. Ben White – 7.5
Had a tough day behind a pack that struggled for dominance.
Made a costly error with a telegraphed pass but responded brilliantly with an interception and a 50:22 kick.
His composure under pressure helped steady the ship, and though far from flawless, he showed resilience and smart kicking in a game where he lacked consistent front-foot ball.
10. Fin Smith – 7.5
Showed great maturity in managing a difficult game.
His grubber for Graham’s try and a sublime offload to van der Merwe highlighted his attacking vision.
At times, he was stifled by a lack of platform, but his kicking game—including a pinpoint effort in the 66th minute—was top drawer.
Controlled the game when it mattered and combined well with Farrell.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 5
Had some powerful early carries and finished his try well, but he struggled without front-foot ball.
Lacked involvement in key moments and again failed to impress when things weren't going the Lions’ way.
Though he bagged a try in the 63rd minute, it came through excellent team setup, rather than individual brilliance.
Still searching for consistency to break into the test side.
12. Owen Farrell (c) – 8.5
Directed traffic with assurance and supported Fin Smith well.
His kick for Osborne’s try was world-class—executed off his weaker foot.
He read the defense smartly, exploiting gaps with grubbers and short balls.
His disguised pass to van der Merwe created a vital score.
He led with intelligence, and this composed, tactical showing bolsters his case as a steadying force in the back line.
13. Jamie Osborne – 8.5
Scored two tries and looked dangerous all game.
Beat defenders with ease and racked up 59 meters and four line breaks.
Defensively, a bit suspect when moved to the wing, but his aerial contest and big-game composure stood out.
Took Kinghorn’s pass beautifully to finish one try and made a brilliant take under pressure. A debut to remember for the youngster.
14. Darcy Graham – N/A
Exploded into the game with electric footwork and a brilliant try, making 54 meters from just five carries.
Sadly, his night ended early due to injury after just 15 minutes.
Despite the limited time, he reminded everyone of his finishing ability and elusive running.
A brief, but thrilling, performance that showed his spark before injury cruelly cut it short.
15. Blair Kinghorn – 7.5
A mixed outing, but one filled with attacking highlights.
He made multiple line breaks and delivered a sensational long ball for Osborne’s try.
He led all Lions in meters made with over 100 and set up a try with his offload skills.
However, an intercepted pass and inconsistent aerial work may hurt his test chances.
Offers unique skills but remains a high-risk option.
Replacements
16. Ewan Ashman – 3
Really struggled at the line-out after coming on, with overthrows at critical moments—particularly a glaring miss in the 80th minute—nearly costing the Lions.
A tough outing where composure deserted him when it mattered most.
17. Rory Sutherland – 5
Came on late and held up well in the scrum but didn’t get enough time or opportunity to significantly influence proceedings.
Solid, but unspectacular, in limited minutes.
18. Tom Clarkson – 6
A solid 30-minute debut for the Lions.
He held his own in the scrum and didn’t look out of place.
Valuable experience and a good base to build from in future outings.
19. Gregor Brown – 6
Made an immediate impression with a partial charge down and brought physicality to the defense.
His 10 tackles and a key line-out win helped secure the result in the closing stages.
Quietly effective off the bench.
20. Ben Earl – 5
Came on for Morgan in the 50th minute, had a few strong carries and got through his tackles, but was a victim of a disjointed-looking Lions performance.
21. Alex Mitchell – N/A
Unused replacement.
22. Marcus Smith – 4.5
Caught out defensively for the First Nations’ third try and struggled to adapt to the match tempo in limited minutes.
He showed flashes in attack but lacked cohesion and decisiveness.
He needs more time on the field to find rhythm.
23. Garry Ringrose – 7.5
Slotted in smoothly off the bench, adding sharp running lines and a strong defensive effort.
His dive onto a loose ball to set up a near-try showed his hunger.
Combined well with Farrell and looked composed throughout.
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