The British and Irish Lions enjoyed a near-perfect preparation for their first Test with Australia as they beat the AUNZ Invitational side 48-0.
The tourists got off to a blistering start in Adelaide with two tries in the first 10 minutes, as Duhan van der Merwe crossed well before Ben White picked straight from the ruck and touched down.
Van der Merwe crossed a second time to give the Lions a 17-0 lead at the break, and the tourists didn’t feel like resting on their laurels, with Sione Tuipulotu, Scott Cummings and Ronan Kelleher going over after half-time and van der Merwe sealing his hat-trick late on.
There was still time for Henry Pollock to get on the scoresheet too, applying pressure before beating the defender to a loose ball, and it marked a superb all-round performance from a dominant Lions side.
And next up for the tourists is the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on 19 July.
Follow all of the latest reaction from the Adelaide Oval with our live blog below:
Lions vs AUNZ Invitational XV live
- Lions beat AUNZ Invitational XV in dominant display in Adelaide
- 75' TRY! Pressure pays off as Pollock wins loose ball [Lions 48-0 AUNZ]
- 69' TRY! Kelleher drives over from clever line-out [Lions 41-0 AUNZ]
- 65' TRY! Van der Merwe lands hat-trick [Lions 36-0 AUNZ]
- 62' TRY! Cummings bundles over from close range [Lions 31-0 AUNZ]
- 43' TRY! Tuipulotu goes over after short penalty [Lions 24-0 AUNZ]
- 20' TRY! Van der Merwe crosses for a second time [Lions 17-0 AUNZ]
- 10' TRY! White picks and goes over with a smart move [Lions 12-0 AUNZ]
- 7' TRY! Van Der Merwe crosses to open the scoring [Lions 5-0 AUNZ]
Farrell reacts
13:40 , Chris WilsonLions coach Andy Farrell calls the game “a good, professional performance”.
When you play these types of games, the type of personnel you come up against, all sorts can happen, but we played a nice, controlled game of rugby,” he says.
“We stayed at it, it was never going to be perfect, but we kept going as a team. That’s the main thing isn’t it. We gelled well as a team today,” he adds.
Pollock speaks
13:30 , Chris WilsonThere’s a brief interview with Pollock too, as the youngster says the squad “worked hard all week”.
“Credit to the boys out there. We loved it.
“We always talk about team performance, and that really showed tonight. We’re in a really good spot at the minute.
“It’s been enjoyable,” he adds as he leaves.
Beirne reacts
13:20 , Chris WilsonCaptain Tadhg Beirne is next to speak to Sky, and he says the team is “very pleased with how we performed, both in attack and defence”, as well as the fact they didn’t allow the AUNZ to score.
“We’re continuing to improve. There’ll be elements of the attack we could’ve been better. Discipline-wise, we got a warning at one point,” he adds.
On the first Test, he says: “It’s going be a new challenge, a different challenge next week.”
As he finishes, he calls captaining the side “a very proud moment”.
Earl reacts
13:12 , Chris WilsonMan of the match Ben Earl is first to speak to Sky.
“We’re really pleased with what we put out there. The ruthlessness we want to be known for, we showed that today,” he says.
“We’ve been known for coughing up opportunities, but today it felt like every time we got in there we were going to score.
“We’ve got a full week of prep before the big one, we’re looking forward to that,” he adds.
“We’ll enjoy tonight, we’ll enjoy Adelaide and then we’ll get into it on Monday.
“Every game feels like a home game. If we have that going forward we’ll be in a good place,” he adds just before he finishes.
On Farrell’s return, he says: “It’s amazing to have him back, both at club and internaitnoal level,”
FULL-TIME! Lions 48-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
13:06 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Lions 48-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:53 , Chris WilsonA few phases at the end but they can’t cross and that will be the that!
A 48-0 win for the Lions to end their preparations for the first Test next weekend.
Lions 48-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:52 , Chris Wilson80 mins
The buzzer goes, but can the Lions get to 50?
Lions 48-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:5179 mins
A late yellow with a minute left on the clock.
Frizell has just returned but Fusitu'a goes off for tipping Morgan onto his head.
Lions 48-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:46 , Chris Wilson75 mins
TRY!
Have we got another try?
There’s a mix-up at the back from the AUNZ as Farrell puts the kick in. The hosts cover it but McLaughlin-Phillips spills it backwards over his own line. Pollock is putting the pressure on as they fumble it over and he thinks he’s got hand to it...
He has! It’s another try, and the kick is converted.
Lions 41-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:4373 mins
Van der Merwe struggles with the kick over his head but he makes up for it before Hansen spot the space and makes the break, but is taken down by the tap tackle.
TRY! Lions 41-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:39 , Chris Wilson69 mins
TRY!
Again, alert but simple stuff from the Lions.
From the line-out, Kelleher takes it and receives the pass straight back before driving over under two challenges! Great strength.
Smith misses the conversion from wide out.
Lions 36-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:3768 mins
It’s becoming a little harsh on the hosts, this. One-way traffic in Adelaide.
Smith kicks foer the line-out again within the AUNZ 22-metre line.
And we’re getting a yellow card here as Shannon Frizell goes off for collapsing a maul.
TRY! Lions 36-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:3365 mins
TRY! A hat-trick for van der Merwe!
It’s good work from Farrell too, as he misses out a man when going through the hands to Keenan.
The Ireland full-back slides it to Hansen, who’s come off the inside, and van der Merwe runs into the space to cross over.
Smith misses the kick though.
TRY! Lions 31-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:2961 mins
TRY! It’s Cummings within a few minutes of coming on.
Smith kicks to touch from that penalty before the Lions win the line-out. There’s some good running from Earl to break the gain line before White picks it up and shifts it to Cummings, who bundles over from close range.
Smith converts for the extra points.
Lions 24-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:27 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Luke Cowan-Dickie has come back onto the bench after being was stretchered off in the first half.
Another change for the Lions as Cummings comes on for Beirne.
More good defending from the Lions as the AUNZ apply pressure, and it’s won back before the tourists win a penalty for rolling into the scrum-half.
Lions 24-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:23 , Chris Wilson53 mins
Bealham has also replaced Stuart for the Lions.
Pollock produces a bit of skill with a chip and chase, but he spills it just within the 22.
The Lions come again though.
Lions 24-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:17 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith come on for Huw Jones and Fin Smith.
Lions 24-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:16 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Pollock is penalised and it allows the AUNZ into the Lions’ 22.
The attacking is lacking invention though. It’s very direct, with plenty of driving from the forwards, and the Lions are equal to it once it does go wide.
Owen Farrell is being readied...
TRY! Lions 24-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:11 , Chris Wilson43 mins
TRY! Simple stuff for the tourists.
They win the penalty just outside the five-metre line and they tap before shipping it.
One pass before it goes backwards to Sione Tuipulotu, who crosses easily.
Fin Smith converts for 24-0!
Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:09 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Almost a dream start as Earl breaks the line but he fumbles it before shipping to van der Merwe.
Moments later, Hansen is leading the kick chase but it doesn't quite fall for him.
KICK-OFF! Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:06 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Adelaide!
HALF-TIME! Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:05 , Chris WilsonThe teams are emerging once again, so we’ll be back underway soon!
HALF-TIME! Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
12:05 , Chris WilsonLions assistant Andrew Goodman is speaking at half-time.
He says the most pleasing part was “how we finished those opportunities early on”.
“We just need to finish a couple more of those.
“They’re gonna come out and throw everything at us. We’ve done a great job with our defence [so far],” he adds.
HALF-TIME! Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:56 , Chris WilsonA great half from the Lions, with some real flair in the attack and great performances from van der Merwe and Hansen especially.
The tourists have made 295m compared to AUNZ’s 104.
In defence, there was some great line speed amidst a disciplined defensive showing, with 92 tackles made and 10 missed to the AUNZ’s 57 and 16.
HALF-TIME! Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:5140 mins
HALF-TIME!
The buzzer goes and the AUNZ have one last chance to get some points on the board, but the tourists’ defence holds firm and they cross the touchline to welcome the whistle.
Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:48 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Stevenson does well to prevent a 50-22 before Havili does well himself with a lovely kick that just about dribbles out.
The Lions have the line-out on their own 22, and they kick long.
Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:44 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Ronan Kelleher is on for Cowan-Dickie, who heads off on a stretcher. He’ll be a doubt for next week’s first Test.
Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:40 , Chris Wilson35 mins
A little less action over the last five minutes as the AUNZ move forward. Stevenson tries the grubber but it’s swept up by the Lions defence, who kick for touch eventually.
The hosts win the line-out and Keenan can’t catch it, with Laumape collecting.
We have a break as Cowan-Dickie is checked after colliding with Salakaia-Loto.
A knee to the head it looks like – the Lions number 2 was very, very low in the tackle.
Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:36 , Chris Wilson30 mins
How has this not ended in a try?
Brilliant play from the Lions, who work it through the hands before Jones breaks the line. He’s taken down eventually but he’s done enough to give the Lions the extra man – Hansen breaks through and tries to offload, but he can’t get the clean pass to Cowan-Dickie and he fumbles it over the line.
Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:32 , Chris Wilson27 mins
The hosts are at least managing to work it through some phases now, which is a lot better than they were doing for much of the opening 20 minutes.
It’s been a disciplined, impressive performance from the tourists so far, though they’ve been guilty of letting AUNZ back into it a little more.
Tadhg Beirne is the latest culprit, nicking the ball well but then kicking it straight out.
Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:30 , Jack Rathborn
Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:2824 mins
The hosts are putting pressure on again after the Lions put themselves in a mess with a cheap penalty at the line-out.
AUNZ work it through a couple of phases and they drive towards the line, but he hasn't crossed. Huw Jones might have ripped it off him as he crossed, but the ref needs a replay...
It’s a knock-on in the end, and the Lions will have a scrum on the five-metre line.
TRY! Lions 17-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:23 , Chris Wilson20 mins
TRY! It’s a second for van der Merwe!
They go through a couple of phases before spotting the overlap and spreading it wide, and they work it to the Scotland winger who can go over the line unchallenged.
Lions 12-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:2118 mins
Lovely running from Hansen as he picks up a fairly poor pass but still manages to beat three men before his cheeky offload is inches away from setting up the try.
The Lions recycle it and it goes wide to Pollock, but he’s held up over the line, so we come back for a penalty advantage nearer the middle.
Lions 12-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:19 , Chris Wilson17 mins
The Lions go with the kick and chase but Stevenson is there to cover and the hosts manage to clear well.
Lions 12-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:1714 mins
Risky stuff from van der Merwe as he tries to keep the ball in right next to the try line but knocks it dead. Thankfully for him, it was already out and the Lions win the line-out.
Seeing some of the fist AUNZ pressure now, with a kick charged down and the hosts camped on the Lions’ 22m line.
It goes wide to Laumape but there’s no space in the tourists’ defence for now.
TRY! Lions 12-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:13 , Chris Wilson10 mins
TRY! IT’s another! The hosts barely have any time to recover.
It’s simple too, with the ruck forming near the 22 before Cowan-Dickie clears and Ben White spots the gap and picks and runs, going over with only a late challenge.
The conversion is landed this time.
TRY! Lions 5-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:11 , Chris Wilson7 mins
TRY!
Great stuff from the Lions, with Keenan taking the line-out quickly before it’s shipped into the middle. He spots Duhan van Der Merwe on the outside and offloads it quickly, and the Scotland winger has the space and crosses the line for the finish.
Fin Smith misses the conversion.
Lions 0-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:08 , Chris Wilson5 mins
The Lions try to test the hosts with the up-and-under but the mark is called and it’s cleared long.
The Lions win the line-out and they’re continuing their early pressure at the moment.
Lions 0-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:06 , Chris Wilson3 mins
Two early knock-ons, with the first giving the Lions a promising scrum but the next one coming from van der Merwe on the wing.
It’s kicked long and Keenan gets his hands on the ball for the first time, with his kick eventually being collected by a Lions teammate.
KICK-OFF! Lions 0-0 AUNZ Invitational XV
11:02 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in Adelaide!
Tonight's match officials
10:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleTonight will serve as a useful warm-up for Italian referee Andrea Piardi, due to take charge of the second Test in Melbourne and on duty with the whistle tonight. We’ve not had that much contention or controversy through the tour games so far, to tempt fate...
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Pierre Brousset (Fra)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (SA)
Danger aplenty in AUNZ Invitational side
10:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis really is a fun AUNZ team, the hosts sure to face the usual challenges that come when a team is short of preparation time but possessing the pace, power and panache to make this an uncomfortable night for the Lions. There are a few free spirits in there, from Hoskins Sotutu at No 8 to Shaun Stevenson at full-back, while David Havili is a really useful figure to knit things together from inside centre. Former All Black Ngani Laumape, meanwhile, will be back in Super Rugby next year with Moana Pasifika amid some suggestions he may resume his international career with Tonga - he’s some strike weapon when on form.
Hugo Keenan backed to impress with full-back shirt up for grabs
10:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis feels a big night for Hugo Keenan, who will hope to seize the No 15 shirt for the first Test after the misfortune suffered by Elliot Daly and, latterly, Blair Kinghorn.
A calf issue prevented Keenan from making his debut for the tourists until their fourth match on tour, against the New South Wales Waratahs, and to add misery to misfortune he picked up a bug that Andy Farrell said explained his underwhelming performance in Sydney.
"Hugo has had a bit of illness and has not been able to take part fully in preparation for each game so this is a perfect opportunity for him after having a good few days without any sickness," assistant coach Simon Easterby said this week.
"He is feeling a lot better and stronger and it's a great opportunity for him to stake a claim for next week.
"Whatever system he's in he's a bit of a goalkeeper at the back, he talks brilliantly, his comms are good and his actions are better. All the things you want a 15 to be in defence, he's all of that. He's got everything."
Veteran James O'Connor answers Wallabies SOS
10:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was big news from Australia camp yesterday as Joe Schmidt confirmed the Wallabies squad to take on the Lions - with a recall for James O’Connor the headline story, the 35-year-old fly half answering an SOS after injury to Noah Lolesio and perhaps in line to feature in a Lions series for a second time.
Veteran O’Connor answers fly half SOS as Wallabies confirm squad for Lions series
Team news - British and Irish Lions
10:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions are all change after the mixed midweek performance as Andy Farrell shuffles his pack to get a last look at some of those looking to force their way into the Test team. Tadhg Beirne leads the team from the second row and may need a big showing to break up the Maro Itoje/Joe McCarthy partnership, or displace Ollie Chessum on the blindside, but all of back row trio Henry Pollock, Jac Morgan and Ben Earl will see themselves as in the mix for a role next Saturday.
Fin Smith steers the ship from fly half and there are two more No 10 options among the replacements, with Owen Farrell in line for his first appearance of the tour and Marcus Smith providing extra cover.
Lions XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne (capt.); 6 Henry Pollock, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Ben White, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Josh van der Flier; 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Owen Farrell.
Our team for Adelaide! 🦁#Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/SGsXKymUtS
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 10, 2025
Team news - AUNZ Invitational XV
10:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe invitational side are led, fittingly, by co-captains from Australia and New Zealand respectively, Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto leading from the second row alongside All Blacks centre David Havili. There is all sorts of talent within the 23 assembled at short notice by Les Kiss and his staff, from full-back Shaun Stevenson - surely a Test regular if from any other nation other than New Zealand - to the dynamic back row Pete Samu, currently down the pecking order with Australia blessed with such depth on the flanks.
The hosts’ bench has a slightly more inexperienced look but several of the squad have already had one tussle with the tourists in earlier tour games, including replacement back Jock Campbell, who led the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.
AUNZ Invitational XV: 1 Aidan Ross, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen; 4 Angus Blyth, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (co-capt.); 6 Shannon Frizzell, 7 Pete Samu, 8 Hoskins Sotutu; 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Tane Edmed; 11 Marika Koroibete, 12 David Havili, 13 Ngani Laumape, 14 AJ Lam; 15 Shaun Stevenson.
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Joshua Fusitu’a, 18 George Dyer, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Joe Brial; 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Jock Campbell.
Your 23 to represent the AUNZ Invitational XV against The Lions 💚💛🖤
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) July 10, 2025
They’ll be led by co-captains Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and David Havili 🫡#LionsTour2025 pic.twitter.com/gwtC1FbWrz
Lions vs AUNZ Invitational XV
10:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, kick off is about an hour away in Adelaide - let’s take a closer look at the two teams...
When do the Lions play Australia? Full tour schedule
09:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne last “warm-up” to go, then, before the Tests. Need a reminder of every result so far and what is to come on this Lions tour? We’ve got you covered...
When do the Lions play Australia? Full tour schedule and how to watch on TV
Ben Earl backs Owen Farrell to roar for Lions
09:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleOwen Farrell is being backed to make an impact on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia despite the adversity he has faced this season.
Farrell is set to make the first appearance of his fourth Lions expedition after being named on the bench for today’s clash with a high quality AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide – the final fixture before the Test series begins against the Wallabies.
The 33-year-old was called up as a replacement for the injured Elliot Daly even though he endured a disappointing season at Racing 92 due to groin surgery that affected his form and he has since rejoined Saracens.
He has not played since being concussed against Lyon on May 4 and his most recent international exposure was at the 2023 World Cup.
But the Lions value his experience and leadership with his Saracens and England team-mate Ben Earl convinced he remains the force of old.
Trust me, he’s gonna be fine – Ben Earl backs Owen Farrell to roar for Lions
Owen Farrell to make first appearance of Lions tour in final Test audition
09:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleTo today, then, and it’s a first appearance of the tour for Owen Farrell:
Owen Farrell to make first appearance of Lions tour in final audition before Tests
Lions hopeful over Blair Kinghorn fitness
09:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe British and Irish Lions are hopeful, though, that Blair Kinghorn will be able to return to training next week - but he is surely a huge doubt for next Saturday’s first Test.
Lions hoping Blair Kinghorn can resume training next week ahead of first Test
Lions call up Jamie Osborne as cover after Blair Kinghorn injury
09:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions did not escape Canberra unscathed on the fitness front - a bang to the knee was cause for concern for Blair Kinghorn, with Ireland’s Jamie Osborne summoned as training cover.
Lions call up Jamie Osborne as cover after Blair Kinghorn injury
Lions prevail despite patchy performance against Brumbies to leave Test selection questions
09:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleLet’s begin by looking back on the midweek action, and another patchy performance from Andy Farrell’s tourists. Having named what looked his likely Test team, the Lions head coach might have expected better against the Brumbies.
Lions prevail after patchy performance against Brumbies to leave selection questions
British and Irish Lions vs AUNZ Invitational XV live
Friday 11 July 2025 11:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleWith the first Test against the Wallabies now just a week away, the British and Irish Lions have one last chance to tune up as they face an AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide. After several clunky showings, is this the day the Lions really find their stride - or can the scratch side they are facing give them something else to fret about?
Kick off is at 11am BST.
