Argentina stunned the British and Irish Lions with a 28-24 victory in Dublin, showcasing exceptional play from their half-backs and back row. The Lions struggled with accuracy and cohesion, falling short in the aerial and set-piece battles. Standout performances from Argentine players, particularly on defense, led to a historic win, marking a challenging start for the Lions as they look to improve before future tests.
In a stunning start to the 2025 tour, Argentina outmaneuvered the British and Irish Lions, claiming a 28-24 victory in Dublin. The clash showcased brilliant half-back play from Argentina, with Ignacio Mendy, Tomas Albornoz, and Santiago Cordero all scoring tries. The Lions managed to put points on the board through Bundee Aki’s try and a penalty try late in the game, but it was too little too late as Argentinian players dominated the field throughout the match.
The Lions, coming in as favorites, faltered under pressure. Tadhg Bierne and Argentinian captain, Julian Montoya, exchanged mishaps—Montoya kicking away the ball from Tomos Williams, and Bierne rolling an Argentinian player during a ruck. This match wasn’t just about one or two mistakes; it was indicative of the Lions’ overall lack of sharpness and focus.
Argentina played with undeniable precision, showcasing a well-coordinated strategy in attack and defense. Justo Piccardo shined in defense, while the back row and half-backs—Gonzalaz, Oviedo, Albornoz, and Garcia—excelled in their roles, effectively neutralizing the Lions’ advances time and again. They lifted their game from the draw in 2005 to now earning a deserved win, signaling their readiness as they head into the Southern Hemisphere international season.
For the Lions, it was a stark reminder of their weaknesses—a vague midfield, lackluster back row, and struggles in aerial play. While Marcus Smith stood out at times, making significant contributions, the rest of the team seemed to struggle with cohesion, failing to establish a rhythm that’s essential for success against a team like Argentina. The mix of fatigue from a long season likely did not help, but it’s clear that they need to find their footing before the series heats up.
The battle in the back row was fiercely contested, with Argentina boasting a world-class loose trio. Tom Curry’s performance was commendable, but Joaquin Oviedo emerged as a key player; his carries were instrumental in setting the stage for scoring opportunities. His carry count topped 12 with impressive meters gained. Juan Martin Gonzalez also made significant contributions, particularly in the air and during crucial moments at the ruck.
Argentina’s intensity in collisions became apparent, displaying a better appetite for contact compared to a seemingly fatigued Lions. The half-back duo of Albornoz and Garcia created noteworthy chances, with Albornoz’s pinpoint kicking causing problems for the Lions, illustrating the depth of talent in Argentina’s ranks this season.
The Lions struggled dramatically with aerial discrepancies, crucial to how both sides usually play. Key players in the back field—Duhan van der Merwe and Tommy Freeman—were often bested, which resulted in missed opportunities and stunted offensive strategy for the Lions. It’s a shock for such seasoned players to falter in an area they typically excel in, overshadowing offensive momentum.
In terms of set-pieces, early line-out struggles plagued the Lions, with poor execution from Luke Cowan-Dickie setting a frustrating tone. After his replacement, Ronan Kelleher successfully corrected some lineout struggles, contributing to a try that momentarily shifted the momentum. But alas, Argentina capitalized on subsequent Lions’ mistakes swiftly in the second half, scoring through Santiago Cordero to extend their lead.
The Lions’ bench, however, brought some life back into the match. Players such as Tomos Williams and Elliot Daly injected energy and creative flair, pushing the Lions forward in their late-game charge. But it just wasn’t enough on this night, as the Lions’ starting performance left too much ground to cover. In the end, this historic opening match will be pivotal for both teams moving forward.
Argentina’s eye-catching victory over the British and Irish Lions serves as a significant warning shot ahead of the upcoming season. The Lions need to regroup quickly to address their lack of sharpness, aerial struggles, and set-piece failures. The performances from Argentina’s back row and half-backs highlighted their potential and readiness to challenge further. The Lions, meanwhile, have much to ponder as they prepare for future matches.
Original Source: www.planetrugby.com
