British and Irish Lions lost 28-24 to Argentina in their opening match in Dublin. Key players Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan stood out, but communication and lineout execution were major issues. Coach Andy Farrell aims to address these before the upcoming match against the Western Force in Australia.
The British and Irish Lions faced a tough opening match against Argentina, falling short with a final score of 28-24 in Dublin last Friday. Andy Farrell will undoubtedly look to address several issues before they head to Australia for their first match against the Western Force next Saturday. Let’s break down three insights from this encounter.
First and foremost, Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan stood out among the players. Freeman made a noticeable impact right from the start, showing his talent after a promising Six Nations and solid club performances for Northampton. He played with composure, balancing risky plays with smart decision-making—an approach that will surely be appreciated. Morgan, one of only two Welsh players on the squad, also impressed with his tenacity and leadership, proving to be a tough competitor for the Argentine defense. The back row may be competitive, but Morgan certainly made a strong case for himself.
Another point that stood out was the Lions’ communication. While there were flashes of brilliance throughout the game, it was apparent that they struggled to maintain consistency. Key players, including Freeman, Duhan van der Merwe, and Sione Tuipulotu, showcased their attacking potential but couldn’t convert opportunities into sustained pressure on the Argentinian side. Lack of focus on building phases with control led to turnovers. Farrell knows that this cohesion will take time to develop, but he will stress the importance of good communication moving forward.
Lastly, the lineout is an area in dire need of improvement. Lineout execution can be particularly challenging for new squads, and that was visible as both hookers, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ronan Kelleher, experienced difficulties with multiple missed throws. Both players have the experience to rectify these mistakes, but they will need to act quickly to avoid this issue becoming a liability against the Wallabies. Coach Joe Schmidt, with his intimate knowledge of the Lions fighters, is likely zeroing in on weaknesses to exploit during upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the Lions have work to do before taking on tougher opponents. Several positives came from their match against Argentina, and while they have some glaring weaknesses to address, there still remains potential within this squad. The upcoming match against the Western Force will be crucial for establishing a more cohesive unit as they gear up for the Australian tour.
In summary, the British and Irish Lions’ opening match against Argentina highlighted strengths and weaknesses within the squad. Players like Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan emerged as bright spots, while communication and lineout issues present areas for improvement before facing more formidable opponents in Australia. The team’s next match will provide a critical opportunity to solidify strategies and teamwork moving forward.
Original Source: www.espn.co.uk
