The Lions Stumble in Dublin: Argentina Surprises with a 28-24 Victory
Dublin witnessed an unexpected setback for the British & Irish Lions, who fell to Argentina with a score of 28-24. This match, which served as a test for the team’s new combinations, revealed unusual errors that set the course of the game.
The defeat, far from being a simple stumble, became a reminder of the magnitude of the challenge facing coach Andy Farrell. His goal is to build a team capable of winning a test series for the first time since 2013, specifically against Australia.
The match exposed several critical points that Farrell will have to address before the team sets foot on Australian soil. Among them, the functioning of the lineout and the need for the players to reach their maximum potential as a team.
The day was memorable for Argentina, who achieved their first victory against the Lions in a match dating back to 1910.
“We ask a lot of the players and perhaps we put too much pressure on the team, as it seemed that sometimes we were disconnected,” Farrell commented after the match.
Andy Farrell
The match, which was expected to be a celebration of rugby, did not unfold as planned. Before a packed Aviva Stadium with 51,700 spectators, the team failed to demonstrate the intensity that Farrell had requested.Farrell had emphasized the importance of this match to impress and secure a place in the team that will travel to Australia. However, it was the Argentinian players who took control, celebrating a historic victory with the outstanding Tomaz Albornoz at the helm.
Instead of arriving in Australia with a victory under their belt, the Lions leave with some wounds. “We can only improve from here,” declared Bundee Aki. “We have nine matches ahead and none will be easy.”
The Lions suffered the loss of four lineouts on their own throws, and the errors, a product of nerves and lack of practice among the players, were evident. Although some instability was expected due to the lack of joint experience, the performance was disappointing.
The true importance of this match will be assessed over time. If the Lions win in Australia, this encounter will be remembered as the start of a successful tour. Otherwise, it will be analyzed in search of early signs of decline.
The stadium was completely full, with a crowd dressed in red ready for the next six weeks, culminating in the three tests in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Fans sported the team’s new jerseys, while others dusted off memories of previous tours. Well-known figures such as Ugo Monye, Owen Farrell, Jamie Roberts, Paul O’Connell, Dwayne Peel, and Alun Wyn Jones were seen at the event.Alun Wyn Jones, who captained the Lions in the third test of 2013 and captained the tour in 2021, retired from the sport in November 2023. Watching the Lions match gave him the opportunity to close an important chapter of his career.
The current match marked the beginning of the road for the 2025 team. Although there were difficulties, promising signs were also observed.
With nine English players in the starting lineup, familiar combinations could be seen, such as Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith. However, this was the first match for this group of players, with eight debutants. The Aki-Tuipolutu pairing was seen in the center, and the trio of Jac Morgan, Ben Earl, and Tom Curry in the back row.
The second row, composed of captain Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne, also promised a possible pairing for the tests. Argentina, despite the absence of some key players due to commitments with French clubs, showed a great performance, with Albornoz as a prominent figure.
The Pumas took the lead quickly, with Ignacio Mendy scoring the first try. Although the Lions had a try disallowed and another in the 17th minute, Aki managed the first try for the Lions.The Lions’ high point in the first half was Aki’s try. Morgan and Tommy Freeman impressed, while Fin Smith also performed well. However, the team looked disorganized, with an erratic lineout and vulnerable defense. Argentina took advantage of a loose ball for Albornoz to score a spectacular try, giving Argentina a 21-10 lead at halftime.
The Pumas, more cohesive, had the support of the public. After the break, the Lions raised their intensity and got a penalty try. Farrell’s team worked hard, and a run by Ellis Genge allowed Beirne to score a try. With the conversion, the Lions went ahead by three points. However, Argentina did not give up, and Santiago Cordero scored a try. Despite the Lions’ final efforts, Argentina maintained their defense and celebrated the victory.
Now the preparation process for the tour begins. Each match and each test brings the fans closer to the selection of the starting XV for July 19 in Brisbane.
Tommy Freeman stood out in the band, while the first line, with Ellis Genge and Finlay Bealham, was solid. The Aki-Tuipolutu partnership is developing, and Marcus Smith and Van der Merwe had defensive problems at times. The lineout needs attention, but the scrum held firm.Tadhg Furlong added important minutes from the bench, after an injury. “Losing hurts, especially with this jersey,” said Farrell. “We need to find solutions quickly and be honest with ourselves. There must be something good that comes out of this.”
Nostalgia mixed with the challenge facing the team. Lions legends like Brian O’Driscoll and Ian McGeechan were greeted with ovations. The goal is for this group to become legends. They seek their first series win since 2013 and the opportunity to make history.
However, it was a performance full of errors by the visitors, and Argentina took the day.
