The British & Irish Lions will be looking to bounce back from their shock opening defeat to Argentina when they take on the Western Force at Optus Stadium on Saturday in their first tour game in Australia.
Saturday 28 June
British & Irish Lions | Draw | Western Force
Handicap
B&I Lions | Western Force
There’s a general feeling that Andy Farrell bit his lip in the aftermath of his side’s 24-28 defeat to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium last week and that in reality he was seething at the performance of his charges. Despite it being the very first Lions hit out for this group of players, and in spite of the lack of Leinster representation in the matchday squad, more was expected in Dublin, with their 14-handling errors ultimately killing them against what was an excellent display by Felipe Contepomi’s Pumas.
Having now touched down in Australia with a near full complement of players from which to choose, Farrell and his coaching lineup will have even less excuses against a Force outfit with Wallaby squad members Nick Champion de Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain and Nic White all starting.
The recent barbs traded between Lions CEO Ben Calveley and Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt regarding player selection availability has added an extra layer of spice to this clash in Perth, with the performance of the tourists likely to say a lot about the character of this incarnation of the famed team.
The Force finished ninth in another season of Super Rugby struggles, winning just four games from 14. The Lions should beat them well, but the way they go about it will say more than the actual result itself, with more serious challenges lying in wait for an already under pressure team.
Farrell has made 13 changes to the side that faced Argentina, with Dan Sheehan skippering the team at hooker in one of five players set to make their debut for the Lions, with four more potential first-timers named on the bench. In the most eye-catching picks, Henry Pollock packs down at eighthman with Gallagher Premiership champion Finn Russell at No 10 inside a midfield combo that features Sione Tuipulotu and Garry Ringrose.
Verdict: Lions on the minus
The 2025 Lions should canter to a first win in the Western Australia capital, but their cohesion overall will be more important than the scoreline.
