The British and Irish Lions were sent off to Australia on the back of a close defeat to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin as the Pumas clinched a 24-28 victory.
From the off Andy Farrell’s men were put on the back foot as the Argentine’s attacked with precision and power to force a penalty which Tomas Albornoz dispatched for the first points of the game.
The match then descending into a thrilling contest as Ignacio Mendy went over for the opening try before Bundee Aki’s try helped the Lions take the lead. The Pumas finished the first half superbly with a flurry of attacking prowess as two penalties and a try from Albornoz opened up an 11-point lead at the break.
The Lions responded brilliantly in the second half. A penalty try cut the deficit before Tadhg Beirne restored the lead for the hosts. The last word went to Santiago Cordero who went over for the Pumas’ third try and secured a famous win.
Relive the action from the Aviva Stadium with our live blog below:
Lions vs Argentina live
- British and Irish Lions defeated by Argentina in opening tour fixture
- Andy Farrell's squad head to Australia this weekend ahead of three Tests against the Wallabies
- 59' TRY! Los Pumas pull ahead once again (LIONS 24-28 ARG)
- 52' TRY! Tadhg Beirne restores Lions' lead (LIONS 24-21 ARG)
- 45' PENALTY TRY! Lions cut deficit after maul collapse (LIONS 17-21 ARG)
- 40' TRY! Albornoz puts Pumas in control on stroke of half-time (LIONS 10-21 ARG)
- 18' TRY! Bundee Aki splits Argentina defence to put Lions ahead (LIONS 10-8 ARG)
- 12' TRY! Ignacio Mendy weaves and lands first try after Lions go level (LIONS 3-8 ARG)
Argentina spoil Lions’ leaving party as tour begins with defeat in Dublin
22:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Aviva StadiumPerhaps the British and Irish Lions will stop inviting Argentina to their pre-tour party. 20 years on from a narrow escape and dispiriting draw kicked things off with a whimper in Cardiff for the 2005 vintage, the current crop were beaten as the Pumas had their day in Dublin.
The result here, of course, is only a mere piece of a wider puzzle that Andy Farrell and his stuff will put together as they gear up for the three Tests against the Wallabies but an opening-game defeat is unique this century; to term this game portentous for the tour as a whole would be perhaps to overplay it but the Lions have set off on the wrong foot.
Argentina spoil Lions’ leaving party as tour begins with defeat in Dublin
Ellis Genge speaking to Sky Sports:
“Pretty sore, pretty gutted. Bittersweet. Class to make your debut but no one likes to lose. Credit to Argentina.
“The position I play it’s tough to analyse the game - head in the sticks a lot - but I was pleased with the scrum; not so much with the turnovers. Argentina are a clinical team and move the ball well so we were chasing our tails. Credit to them.
“The nature of the beast is that you have to learn very quickly, as to how everyone moves and how the cogs fit into the machine. At this level, the expectation is that you adapt. We want to be a fast-learning team. We’re all world-class players and we should be able to put out a better performance than that.”
Owen Farrell speaking to Sky Sports:
“I think a lot of the game was played in the right parts of the field. Obviously a lot of balls didn't stick and there will be a lot of images that they'll look back and learn from.
“I think Argentina did unbelievably well to counter-punch when they had the opportunity. Whether that be a ball on the floor or a turnover, they seemed to turn things into points pretty quickly.
“I'm sure the Lions boys will be frustrated but the main thing is that they've played a great competitive game and have some images to go off to see what the standard is and what's not. Why some of those balls went down, why some of those decisions were good and why some of the decisions were not so good.
“I think they'll learn a hell of a lot, they'll learn a hell of a lot about each other, they'll learn a hell of a lot as a team and it would put them in good stead for next week."
Andy Farrell speaking to Sky Sports:
"It wasn’t exactly a show from us, it was a show from Argentina. First and foremost, congratulations to them, they thorough deserve their win.
"They capitalised on all the errors we made. But as far as we’re concede, there is a lot to do. You cannot win any Test match with that error rate.
"We lost enough ball their for a full tour, let alone a Test match against a good side like Argentina. We threw passes that were never on.
"It wasn’t just that, it was the aerial battle and the scraps on the floor. They were hungrier than us that is just not acceptable. The lineout and breakdown work was off a bit at times.
"I’m disappointed. We need to be honest with ourselves, take the learning and improve, then at least we will stand for something.
"There was good and bad throughout, I wouldn’t single out individuals or combinations. We were just a bit tentative and off, I take responsibility for that. When we came out with a bit of fight at the start of the second half it was more like, but we just suppressed ourselves with the error counts that carried on late into the second. You don’t win Test matches when things like that happen”
First time Lions have dropped their opening tour match since 1971
This marks the Pumas' sole victory in eight encounters with the British and Irish Lions, and it's the first time the Lions have dropped their opening tour match since 1971.
That year also stands as the last occasion the Lions secured a Test series win in New Zealand.
Lions centre Bundee Aki speaking to Sky Sports:
“We’re not making any excuses; Argentina are a bloody good outfit. They punished us when we weren’t clinical. Every turnover we made, they scored at every opportunity.
“We bounced back in the second half, Andy Farrell reminded us at half-time when it meant to be a Lion – when it gets hard, you’ve got to push it to another level. In certain parts of the game we did it, in others we didn’t. Argentina did.
“This shows where we are as a group, we can only get better from here. We know the challenge ahead of us, none of the nine games are going to be easy, so we’ve got to take the learnings out of this but we’ve got to learn quick.”
Julian Montoya speaks to Sky Sports:
"Really happy and really proud of the team effort. The three guys who played for the first time and they were outstanding.
"I was pleased about the effort and the fight we showed for each other throughout 80 minutes. It was a short week, just two training sessions, and we came here knowing it wasn't going to be perfect.
"We were sure we were wanted to give our best and be in position to take opportunities there and we did it."
Lions captain Maro Itoje speaking to Sky Sports: ‘We’re still building’.
"We just weren't as consistent as we would have liked. We showed glimmers of what we could do.
"We didn't consistently apply pressure, we let them off, and Argentina caught us slipping at times.
"Some areas of the game we were nowhere near as accurate enough but when we were on it, we looked good. We just need to do it more consistently. When we were direct, we were awesome.
"When we were playing front-foot ball at the line. At times we were playing tippy-tappy rugby and that’s not what we want to be. We want to be an aggressive team.
"But we are building. We would have liked to have been firing right from the off, it wasn’t quite that, but we’ll live, learn and get better."
Warburton: Argentina were excellent
Sky Sports' Sam Warburton:
"They [Lions] will be better for it [losing] but we have to firstly congratulate Argentina. They were so good.
"Their defensive set then at the end of the game - under extreme fatigue -was excellent.
"They were missing seven or eight front-line players and they still delivered a brilliant performance."
Player of the Match
Tomás Albornoz truly stood out, delivering an outstanding performance at fly-half for Argentina.
Full-time! Lions 24-28 Argentina
The Lions’ maul collapses at the lineout, forcing them to keep the ball alive with quick hands. Time and again, the Pumas’ strong defence holds firm, until Pollock is stripped during a tackle.
The ball is kicked out, and Argentina seal a memorable and well-earned win. The 1888 Cup goes to Argentina!
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 80 minutes
It’s head-to-head contact from Boris Wenger on Tadhg Furlong looked fairly straightforward, but the referee opts against issuing a card.
Fin Smith kicks to the corner and the Lions have one final chance. The Lions claim the line-out cleanly on the edge of the 22.
With no maul formed, they’ll need to build phase by phase and power their way through the Pumas' defence.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 79 minutes
Freeman rises well to claim the high ball and regathers possession for the Lions, but they’re still hemmed in around the halfway line, with plenty of work to do.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 78 minutes
Beirne spills the ball forward, but Coria Marchetti is caught offside the Lions have a penalty. Or so it seemed.
The TMO intervenes, spotting a neck roll by Beirne earlier in the move. The decision is reversed and Argentina get the penalty instead.
Will the Pumas hold on now? In seven previous meetings, they’ve never managed to beat the Lions - is that about to change?
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 75 minutes
The Lions nearly lose control of the move, but the referee pulls play back, the ball was kicked from Tomos Williams' grasp. They’ll take the penalty and once again, go for touch deep in Argentine territory.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 73 minutes
Kelleher sends the lineout long, but there's no Lions jumper contesting it. To make matters worse, Freeman can't hold on to the Argentine clearance.
Two missed opportunities in quick succession a bit of a summary of the evening so far. But there’s still time on the clock.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 70 minutes
Hansen slices through the Argentina defence with a brilliant break, surging deep into the 22 as the Lions pile on the pressure.
The Pumas scramble back in time to halt the attack, but the referee brings it back for an earlier infringement a tackle off the ball. Fin Smith points to the corner.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 67 minutes
Into the final 15 minutes now, and the cameras catch Duhan van der Merwe on the bench with his ankle on ice. One to watch closely - fingers crossed it’s nothing major.
Justo Piccardo charges forward but is met head-on by the powerful duo of Maro Itoje and Tadhg Furlong - a serious collision of heavy hitters.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 64 minutes
Tommy Freeman puts in a clever chip ahead, but Albornoz is well-positioned and calls for the mark. The Argentine fly-half has been outstanding throughout the match.
Things have gotten a little messy, with Ronan Kelleher dealing with a loose ball from the line-out. Tadhg Furlong then looks to make a break but ends up offloading straight to an Argentine shirt.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 62 minutes
The Lions make a few more substitutions, with Irish duo Tadhg Furlong and Mack Hansen taking to the field for the final 20 minutes - drawing a big cheer from the home supporters in Dublin.
Try! Lions 24-28 Argentina, 59 minutes
The Argentinians conjure up another stunning try from nowhere.
Isgro reclaims possession in the air, before Albornoz and Oviedo dance past Curry and Pollock in midfield. Quick hands from Piccardo and Moroni set the move flowing, with Moroni chipping ahead perfectly for Cordero to chase down and touch down.
The visitors edge ahead by four points.
Lions 24-21 Argentina, 58 minutes
Van der Merwe is wrestled to a halt by Argentina’s outside backs before Freeman slices through on a sharp line off a pass from Williams.
The Lions break into space and, with support out wide, Marcus Smith chooses to put boot to ball, sending a clever grubber into touch deep inside the Argentine 22.
Lions 24-21 Argentina, 55 minutes
Tommy Freeman looks a little uncomfortable after an aerial challenge with Santiago Carreras. He’s receiving treatment now here’s hoping he’s okay.
Mack Hansen is ready to come on but puts his bib back on as Freeman tries to carry on. It was a heavy landing, but he’s determined to run it off and keep playing.
Mayco Vivas is back on the pitch, but his yellow card has cost Argentina 14 points.
Try! Lions 24-21 Argentina, 52 minutes
Another Irish player shines on home turf as Tadhg Beirne powers his way over the line!
But the try really owes itself to Genge, who set the Lions up perfectly. Fin Smith adds the extras.
Lions 17-21 Argentina, 51 minutes
Momentum is firmly with the Lions right now. They come close to scoring again, but the ball slips from Fin Smith’s grasp at the crucial moment.
There was some slick work in the middle from Tomos Williams, who replaced Alex Mitchell at scrum-half. What a way to make an entrance! With his very first touch, Williams delivers a stunning reverse pass to set up Genge. Simply brilliant from the scrum-half.
Lions 17-21 Argentina, 50 minutes
The Lions are starting to apply more pressure, earning another scrum penalty in their favour.
Substitutions: Henry Pollock, Ronan Kelleher, and Tomos Williams enter the field, replacing Jac Morgan, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Alex Mitchell.
Lions 17-21 Argentina, 45 minutes
Sione Tuipulotu shines with a powerful and speedy 40-metre run down the right flank.
The Lions maintain possession just outside the 22 and earn a penalty. They patiently work through the phases, gradually breaking down the Argentine defence and forcing another penalty for hands in the ruck.
Fin Smith opts for the corner. Vivas is penalised and sin-binned for collapsing the maul.
Lions 10-21 Argentina, 43 minutes
The Lions fall victim to an unnecessary pass as Cowan-Dickie breaks the Argentine defence but then passes to an opponent.
While the Lions are eager to secure the win, they need to be smarter about choosing when to take risks and when to hold back.
Kick-off! Lions 10-21 Argentina
The second half is underway!
Three-time British and Irish Lion Conor Murray speaking to Sky Sports:
"The Lions’ body language, their intent, their physicality is right up there. They are really close to breaking Argentina.
"They haven’t made bad decisions; it’s just been a matter of execution. The space is on out wide, they have taken those opportunities a little bit, hopefully they can a bit more."
Owen Farrell speaking to Sky Sports at half-time:
"I think they [Lions] have created loads of opportunities. The ball hasn't stuck, but they're making good decisions. The key now is not to force it and keep making them good decisions, then I'm sure it will come good.
"This is definitely a proper Test match. You can see that from the way that the game started - it was a lot of kicking, a lot of balls in the air and a lot of trying to get in the right parts of the field.
"Argentina did that well the first 10 minutes and I thought the Lions did well to get some field positions and some opportunity in there.
"Argentina have got scores off breakaways in the first phase - it's a real Test match."
Half-time! Lions 10-21 Argentina
A crushing setback right before halftime. The score at the break might slightly overstate the visitors’ performance, but there’s no doubt they’ve been the stronger team so far.
The Lions have a tough challenge ahead in the second half.
Try! Lions 10-21 Argentina, 41 minutes
Tomas Albornoz scores a great try! The game is messy all over the pitch, but the Pumas steal possession inside their own 22 and break away at pace.
Santiago Carreras charges down the sideline, creating a two-on-one situation against Marcus Smith and Albornoz finishes off the move with a sprint under the posts.
Penalty! Lions 10-14 Argentina, 39 minutes
The Lions face intense pressure as Argentina launch several attacking phases in a row.
The sustained pressure eventually results in an offside penalty against the Lions with play being brought back following a knock-on just short of the try line.
With just a minute and a half left before halftime, Argentina choose to kick for goal. Albornoz calmly slots the penalty, pushing the Pumas’ lead to four points heading into the break.
Lions 10-11 Argentina, 35 minutes
Argentina produce another slick attacking sequence, slicing through the Lions’ defensive line before Albornoz rolls a clever grubber kick in behind.
Marcus Smith reacts quickly, changing direction to collect the ball under heavy pressure leaving him no option but to ground it in-goal. That gives Argentina a five-metre scrum in a dangerous position.
Argentina secure the scrum and their forwards begin to grind down the Lions’ defensive line, inching closer with each phase.
Lions 10-11 Argentina, 33 minutes
Argentina produce a stronger scrum this time, and García clears well from the base of the ruck. Mitchell responds with a kick of his own, but it travels too far, allowing Albornoz to gather comfortably and return it to halfway.
The Lions then falter at the lineout for the third time in a row losing their second of the half and the Pumas pounce. Oviedo, Isgro and García combine to drive Argentina deep into Lions territory with the No. 8 breaking the line.
Fortunately for the hosts, Jac Morgan steps up with a crucial turnover, winning a holding on penalty. A sharp call from referee Doleman, but just about fair.
Lions 10-11 Argentina, 30 minutes
A strong attacking move sees Freeman break around the back of the lineout, making good ground and freeing himself for the offload. However, the pass to Tuipulotu doesn’t connect cleanly and the ball is lost.
Argentina will now restart with a 10 metre put in from their own line.
Lions 10-11 Argentina, 28 minutes
The Lions have been dominant in the scrum, earning a penalty just inside Argentina’s half. Smith pushes forward to gain some ground setting up a lineout deep in the 22.
Under pressure from Mendy, Marcus Smith nearly fumbles a high ball, but it’s actually the Argentinian who knocks it on first.
The Lions keep possession with the throw-in just inside the Pumas’ half and they’re awarded another penalty. Both teams have now been penalised during this tight contest.
Penalty! Lions 10-11 Argentina, 25 minutes
Argentina earn a penalty after Tom Curry is penalised for holding on at the ruck, with the Pumas opting to take the kick at goal. Albornoz secures the extras and the Pumas are just edging in front.
Lions 10-8 Argentina, 23 minutes
Cowan-Dickie forces a turnover for the Lions at a ruck just outside their 22, allowing Mitchell to clear the ball.
Van der Merwe quickly regains possession much to Carreras’s frustration, but then the Argentinian knocks on. The Lions also lose control, so play resumes with a scrum.
Meanwhile, attention turns to Oviedo and Fin Smith after a head-to-head clash. The decision goes upstairs and it’s a penalty only, just outside the 22.
Try! Lions 10-8 Argentina, 18 minutes
Bundee Aki back playing on home turf scores a try for the Lions!
Marcus Smith shows some impressive skill, while Tuipulotu delivers a perfect offload to his centre partner.
Aki powers straight through to cross the try line. Fantastic score and Smith adds the conversion to put the Lions ahead.
No try! Lions 3-8 Argentina, 17 minutes
No try awarded. Joel Sclavi’s knock-on led to Mitchell losing control of the ball, which Tuipulotu then picked up and grounded.
The decision is correct, marking a second try chalked off for Andy Farrell’s side. However, the Lions now have a scrum in a promising spot on the field.
Lions 3-8 Argentina, 15 minutes
The Lions earn a penalty advantage from the scrum but choose to keep the ball alive, driving deep into the 22.
Their teamwork is starting to click, with Bealham and Curry making strong early impacts. Their physical presence earns the Lions their first scrum of the match. From that scrum, the hosts pick up a penalty.
Although the Lions launched a disciplined and well structured attack during the penalty advantage, Argentina stood firm in defence.
Try! Lions 3-8 Argentina, 12 minutes
What a fantastic effort from Ignacio Mendy! It all starts from Freeman’s clearing kick at the line-out. The Pumas secure their throw and swiftly move the ball out wide.
Santiago Carreras draws in three defenders before releasing a perfect pass to Mendy, who darts inside van der Merwe to score. Albornoz misses the conversion, but that try puts Argentina ahead deservedly.
Penalty! Lions 3-3 Argentina, 9 minutes
Maro Itoje points to the posts, and Fin Smith makes no mistake with the kick bringing the Lions level on the scoreboard.
It’s been a lively and engaging start, with both sides showing sharp attacking intent and moving the ball with real fluidity.
No try! Lions 0-3 Argentina, 7 minutes
Luke Cowan-Dickie breaks away from the back of the maul and powers toward the line, shrugging off a couple of defenders.
It looks like he’s opened the scoring for the Lions but on review, the ball slips from his grasp just before grounding.
Argentina are let off the hook, and it’s a goal-line dropout.
Penalty! Lions 0-3 Argentina, 4 minutes
Chance for Argentina! Marcus Smith and Tommy Freeman come to the rescue with a superb double tackle to deny what looked like a certain try in the corner.
The ball has barely left the field since kick-off and Argentina are starting to find rhythm. The forwards are putting in the hard yards, inching closer to the line before finally earning a penalty.
The Lions are forced into more desperate defending to hold Montoya up right on the try line, but in the process, they're pinged for offside.
That gives Albornoz a straightforward shot at goal and he makes no mistake. Argentina take the early lead with the first points on the board.
Lions 0-0 Argentina, 2 minutes
Argentina are enjoying plenty of early possession as both sides begin to find their rhythm. It may be billed as a warm up, but this has all the intensity of a full-blooded Test. Fast, physical and unforgiving from the first minute.
Rodrigo Isgro makes a sharp break down the left, but Fin Smith is alert and sweeps up the kick with composure.
KICK-OFF!
Underway in Dublin!
Owen Farrell on the 10 debate
Three-time Lion Owen Farrell speaking to Sky Sports:
"I see similarities and differences. I see three fantastic 10s that can do everything across the board, but probably different strengths and superpowers.
"You’ve got the calmness of Finn Russell, you’ve got Marcus Smith, a show-stopper who can make something on his own. Then you’ve got Fin Smith, who stands so flat to the line and transfers the ball so quick teams cannot deal with it.
“It will be about who gets the best out of those around, that will be the key to this."
Tuipulotu says they’re ‘raring to go’ alongside Aki
Lions centre Sione Tuipulotu speaking to Sky Sports:
“We’re raring to go now. We’ve had a good two-week preparation for this game, and we just want to go out there and contribute.
“I’ve been playing against him [Bundee Aki] for the last couple of years, it’s nice to have him on my team! We’ve been rooming together for the week, I want to go out there, hit the ground running with him and set the tone for us.”
Kick-off approaching
Here we are - just five minutes to go until kick-off in Dublin and the eagerly awaited British & Irish Lions tour is about to get underway.
The warm-ups are complete, the pre-match chatter is behind us and the players are making their way onto the pitch. The stage is set.
'There are no excuses' - Farrell on the importance of the game
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell speaking to Sky Sport:
"I’ve asked the players to be the best versions of themselves. There are no excuses. The shirt demands that. We’ve been together for 12 days, a lot of information went into them in the first week but the second has been a normal Test week.
"We know the importance of the game for everyone and we’re super excited to get the show on the road.
"Any team that gets to play against the Lions is an honour and privilege. Argentina are a proud nation and a bloody good rugby team as well.
"If you look at their results over the past 18 months, they’ve beaten the best in the world, and right so because of their performances. They have improved out of sight and this is going to be a hell of a Test match."
Farrell: Everything is different with the Lions, ‘It’s unbelievably special’.
Owen Farrell, speaking to Sky Sports about what it is like to play for the Lions:
"Unbelievably special. I think that word probably gets used to much, but I really mean it when I talk about the Lions. Everything about it is different. Coming together, from all four nations, the fans - everything that goes with it.
"It's the best of the best but you don't know what that's quite like until you get here and really feel it."
Pumas coach says they’re ‘ready for a challenge’:
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi, speaking to Sky Sports:
"We don't have the full squad but we have a very good, talented, young squad. We had a great week this week in preparation and now looking forward to the game.
"We haven't been together for seven months, so with two training sessions we tried to get the cohesion together and everything.
"We feel that we are very fortunate and it's because Argentina rugby has done something right over the past 20 years to be reinvited to play the Lions. We take it with a huge responsibility to make sure we play out best. "
Lions vs Argentina match officials
19:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleKiwi James Doleman leads in the officiating team in Dublin tonight, joined by an array of familiar European faces to assist him. Nika Amashukeli and Andrea Piardi will each take charge of a Test in Australia; Ben O’Keeffe is the other appointed referee for the clashes with the Wallabies.
Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Andrea Piardi (Ita)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)
Itoje on seeking Lions victory
British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje speaking to Sky Sports:
"It’s been amazing. First of all, the talent is clear for everyone to see. We have a group of men who are determined to do well and succeed. It’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of. I’m enjoy it being captain so far.
“What I’m hoping for tonight is cohesion. We know Argentina are a good side, they have proven that over the last couple of years. From our point of view, if we’re a cohesive, tight unit we’ll do well tonight.
“We want to win. We’re not here to just play well and lose. Every time the Lions take to the field, that has to be the ambition.”
Fin Smith on his Lions debut:
Fin Smith, speaking to Sky Sports about his Lions call-up:
“Yeah, it was mad. It was an incredibly tense day. It’s probably the rawest thing you can experience in in rugby these days. I think a big thing to me this last year has just been really trying to not look too big picture.
“I'd say that's what made this call up all the more special - it's probably the first time I've really taken a step back away from it all.
“To have Australia to look forward to over this next six or seven weeks is, going to be an unbelievable way to cap off what's been a brilliant last couple of seasons.”
Smith feared missing out on Lions call-up
Marcus Smith, speaking to Sky Sports about getting selected to represent the Lions again:
“I wasn't confident at all, to be honest! I think I was more nervous four years ago about trying to find my passport, but this one, to be honest, I was pretty anxious all season.
“For the 30-40 minutes until the names started getting read out, I felt my heart beating in my shirt. Thank God I I heard my name. I'm very lucky, very, very privileged and it’s an honour.
Marcus Smith, speaking to Sky Sports’ on how Johnny Sexton in camp has helped him ahead of the Lions:
“His knowledge, his wisdom, his calmness and the way he speaks, I think is definitely rubbing off on me.
“I look forward to the next four or five weeks so we can work together. Hopefully compete in in different sort of kicking games, which would be nice, but also learn an awful amount.”
British and Irish Lions schedule in full
19:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is the first of 10 matches to be negotiated by the quadrennial tourists, the squad bound for Perth - on three separate flights, we understand - this weekend and taking on the Western Force next Saturday. Want a run-down of the full itinerary? We’ve got you covered...
When do the Lions play Australia? Full tour schedule and how to watch on TV
Historic night for the Lions
Tonight’s match is a landmark moment for the British & Irish Lions, packed with historic firsts and personal milestones.
For the first time ever, the Lions play a match in Ireland and it’s their first meeting with Argentina in 20 years - the last being a dramatic 25-25 draw in Cardiff ahead of the 2005 New Zealand tour.
Fin Smith makes history as the first grandson of a former Lion to play for the team. His grandfather, Tom Elliot (Lion #380), featured in nine games on the 1955 South Africa tour.
Three Northampton Saints start tonight - the first time that’s happened since 1999, and the half-back pairing comes from the same club, a rarity not seen since 2017 when Biggar and Webb partnered for the Lions.
When these two last met...
19:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is 20 years since the Lions and Pumas locked claws, the 2005 meeting in Cardiff not necessarily a classic contest but nonetheless hard-fought and ending in a 25-all draw. A sloppy showing rather set the tone for a disastrous tour for Clive Woodward’s team as they very nearly went down to an under-strength Argentina, grateful to Jonny Wilkinson - back from injury after a long lay-off - for a penalty after the full-time hooter to salvage a draw.
Felipe Contepomi, Argentina’s coach, was their skipper then - can his men go one better tonight?
Key matchup - Luke Cowan-Dickie vs Julián Montoya
Just a fortnight ago, these two experienced Premiership hookers were locking horns in a high-stakes semi-final clash and it was Montoya who had the upper hand as Leicester Tigers overcame Sale Sharks to book their place at Twickenham.
Montoya leaves behind a lasting legacy at Leicester. Since arriving in the East Midlands, he’s racked up over 80 appearances and played a central role in their title-winning campaign in just his second season.
On the international stage, Montoya captains an Argentina side that has climbed to fifth in the world rankings - an achievement that speaks volumes about his influence both on and off the pitch.
Cowan-Dickie has been on a rollercoaster journey since his Lions debut in 2021. A long spell on the side-lines nearly a year and a half followed a complicated neck surgery, derailing a planned move to France and presenting major personal and professional challenges.
Now back fit and firing, he’ll be eager to assert himself in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle at the heart of the scrum.
Team news - Argentina
19:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleFresh from a tight defeat in the Premiership final in his last Leicester game, hooker Julian Montoya captains a dangerous Argentina team possessing plenty of experience. Lucio Cinti returns from injury in midfield alongside youngster Justo PIccardo, while scrum half Simon Benitez Cruz and prop Boris Wegner should make debuts off the bench after strong seasons in Super Rugby Americas. Bautista Bernasconi is another potential first-capper.
Argentina XV: 1 Mayco Vivas, 2 Julian Montoya (capt.), 3 Joel Sclavi; 4 Franco Molina, 5 Pedro Rubiolo; 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Joaquin Oviedo; 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 10 Tomas Albornoz; 11 Ignacio Mendy, 12 Justo Piccardo, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Rodrigo Isgro; 15 Santiago Carreras.
Replacements: 16 Bautista Bernasconi, 17 Boris Wegner, 18 Francisco Coria Marchetti, 19 Santiago Grondona, 20 Joaquin Moro; 21 Simon Benitez Cruz, 22 Matias Moroni, 23 Santiago Cordero.
¡Los 23! ¡Vamos! 🇦🇷
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) June 18, 2025
📆 Viernes 20 de junio
🆚 British & Irish Lions
⏰ 16:00h (ARG) / 20:00h (IRL)
🏟️ Aviva Stadium (Dublín, Irlanda)
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Team news - Lions
19:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland’s Fin and Marcus Smith are paired in playmaking partnership by Andy Farrell for the first game of the 10-match tour itinerary, with the Lions boss resisting the urge to utilise those involved in the United Rugby Championship and Premiership finals six days ago. An exception is Ronan Kelleher, backing up Luke Cowan-Dickie ahead of club colleague Dan Sheehan with two Leinster hookers in the squad; Tadhg Furlong’s availability, meanwhile, is welcome after the tighthead prop missed the Dublin club’s run to the URC title.
Lions XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Sione Tuipulotu, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Marcus Smith.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Henry Pollock; 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Elliot Daly, 23 Mack Hansen.
Our team to face Argentina in Dublin! 🦁#Lions2025
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 18, 2025
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi: "We haven't been together for seven months and now getting together with lots of new faces it has been a challenge, but the guys have been magnificent.
"They are training with a lot of intensity, we are very pleased with how they adapted.
"We expect the best of the best from the British Isles, we know all their players and we expect them to be playing hard."
Lions vs Argentina
18:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the Aviva StadiumHello from Dublin, where the heat of the afternoon has dissipated to leave a rather lovely evening. Wandering around the city today I’ve been struck by the sheer amount of Lions merchandise on show, plenty of new kits mixed in with a few vintage numbers. The flights from England yesterday were all full of travelling fans, eager to take this first chance to watch the Lions on Irish soil.
There have been a few proud Pumas fans in amongst the sea of red, too, Argentina always enjoying fervent support wherever they go. A group I saw earlier were rather preoccupied by an MG up for sale in a Sandymount side street - one presumes they were not looking to purchase it but you never know...
Andy Farrell talks about how the team are ‘ahead of the game’ and have a strong ‘sense of some combinations’
Lions head coach Andy Farrell: “It is exciting isn’t it. I did an exercise a couple of weeks ago, and I have done it five times since, what the Test side could look like but there is no point going there because there are so many options.
“This team on Friday can show those sat in the stands what they are all about.
“The squad are just trying to gain respect off one another, and I am sure World Rugby will be watching to see how Argentina and us perform, but these guys just want to impress one another first and foremost.
“It was very exciting to name the squad and tell the boys who are the first to represent this group. The group we took to Portugal are ahead of the game and we got a sense of some combinations.
“For the others who joined us on Monday, it’s nice for them to have some time getting to know the lads and see what’s going on.
“We have had one training session so it is nice to get everyone together finally.”
Tommy Freeman promises ‘fun and dangerous’ Lions approach to Argentina clash
18:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleTommy Freeman insists the British and Irish Lions’ heavyweight threequarters are ready to give the Australia tour lift off by leaving a lasting impression on Argentina in Dublin.
Andy Farrell is fielding the biggest centres and wings he has available in his squad with England try machine Freeman joined by Duhan van der Merwe, Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu.
All four weigh over 100kg and the muscular midfield partnership of Aki and Tuipulotu in particular is generating excitement ahead of Friday’s curtain raiser to the expedition Down Under.
Freeman is keen for them to make a statement by going for the jugular against a dangerous Pumas side that is ranked fifth in the world.
Tommy Freeman promises ‘fun and dangerous’ Lions approach to Argentina clash
All eyes are on Tomos Williams back in his home town of Treorchy, Wales
Tomos Williams is one of just two Welsh players named in the squad tonight. A testament to his consistency and class. You can bet the community back in Treorchy will be glued to the screen cheering on one of their own.
The dynamic scrum-half has had a standout year, recently crowned Premiership Rugby Player of the 2024–25 season, a well earned honour reflecting both his leadership and electric form.
Tonight he’ll be carrying not just the hopes of his team but the pride of a whole town that’s watched him rise through the ranks.
Finn Russell sets sights on Lions success after long-awaited title triumph with Bath
18:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleFinn Russell is not involved tonight due to his Premiership-winning exertions with Bath. It’s been a good week for the Scot, putting pen to paper on a new contract to remain at the club until 2028 and now ready to rip in to his first proper Lions experience.
Finn Russell sets sights on Lions success after long-awaited title triumph with Bath
Lions coach Johnny Sexton plays down tension with Finn Russell before tour
18:20 , Luke BakerJohnny Sexton has spoken about the tension between him and Finn Russell, now that he is coaching the Scotland fly half on this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour.
When Russell was selected by Andy Farrell as one of three No 10s in his squad to tour Australia, thoughts quickly turned to how his relationship with Sexton, who had been named as the Lions kicking skills coach, would play out, given their history.
Never one to be shy in offering a forthright opinion, former Ireland fly half Sexton admitted in his explosive autobiography that Russell being selected ahead of him for the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa “kills me to this day”, while he has also dismissively described the Scot as “flashy” and “a media darling” in interviews down the years.
The Irishman addressed the media on Monday and was understandably asked about how he envisioned the relationship working, with the 39-year-old quick to play down any worries.
Lions coach Johnny Sexton opens up on tension with Finn Russell before tour
Inside the British and Irish Lions ‘first day of school’
18:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is, then, the first fixture for the British and Irish Lions but Andy Farrell’s squad initially got together at a plush hotel in Richmond, south-west London just over a month ago - and The Independent were there...
The complex eligibility debate at the heart of the British and Irish Lions squad
17:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleTuipulotu and Aki are two of a significant contingent of Lions born outside Britain and Ireland - but are entirely eligible for the side and will enrich it on and off the field. With the help of the Scotland centre and James Lowe, I took a look at a complex debate:
The complex eligibility debate at the heart of the British and Irish Lions squad
Australia coach Joe Schmidt takes sly dig at Lions with ‘southern hemisphere’ centres comment
17:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia head coach Joe Schmidt has taken a swipe at the British and Irish Lions by describing Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu as a "southern-hemisphere centre partnership".
Aki and Tuipulotu, who were born in New Zealand and Australia respectively, form a midfield partnership for Friday's tour opener against Argentina in Dublin and Schmidt has seized the opportunity to highlight their switch of national allegiance.
Aki qualified for Ireland through residency while Tuipulotu is able to represent Scotland because of his Greenock-born grandmother.
"A southern-hemisphere centre partnership that will be pretty formidable," said Schmidt at the Wallabies squad announcement for their forthcoming match against Fiji.
Australia coach takes sly dig at Lions with ‘southern hemisphere’ centres comment
British and Irish Lions squad: Player-by-player guide to the 38 selected by Andy Farrell
17:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe opening 23 has picked itself, in some ways, with Andy Farrell electing largely not to risk those involved in the Premiership and United Rugby Championship finals last weekend. Here’s your guide to each and every player at his disposal on tour.
Lions break new ground in lucrative tour opener — but Argentina clash has selection significance too
17:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe main reason, of course, that the Lions are in Dublin is money - this is a hugely lucrative fixture for the brand with something like £2.5m expected to be banked from gate receipts alone even when costs are considered. But the opening engagement of their 10-match itinerary could yet be telling come the selection shake-up in Australia.
Why the lucrative Lions tour opener has selection significance
Lions receive Tadhg Furlong fitness boost as team revealed for Argentina curtain-raiser
17:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was good news for the Lions as Andy Farrell revealed his team on Wednesday with prop Tadhg Furlong passed fit to feature off the bench having been a slight injury concern for the tour.
Lions get Tadhg Furlong fitness boost as team revealed for Argentina clash
British and Irish Lions vs Argentina
Thursday 19 June 2025 08:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions tour is officially here! For the first time, the quadrennial tourists are set to play on Irish soil as they begin a 10-match itinerary with a clash against Argentina in Dublin, and the Pumas are likely to provide a tricky test for a squad still getting to know one another.
Andy Farrell will be hoping for a strong start - can any of his opening 23 really stake a claim for Test selection? Kick off at the Aviva Stadium is at 8pm BST.
