In a thrilling and unexpected showdown at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, the British & Irish Lions suffered a narrow 28-24 defeat to Argentina in the 1888 Cup match on June 20, 2025. This encounter marked the Lions' first game on Irish soil, drawing a packed crowd of 51,700 passionate fans eager to witness top-tier rugby. Despite the loss, the match was a hard-fought contest showcasing moments of brilliance and areas needing refinement for the Lions as they prepare for their upcoming Australia tour.
Argentina, ranked fifth in the World Rugby Rankings as of mid-June 2025, came out strong from the outset. The Pumas opened the scoring with a penalty goal from Tomás Albornoz, who proved to be a standout performer throughout the match. Shortly after, wing Ignacio Mendy crossed the try line following an incisive passing move, signaling Argentina's intent early on. Albornoz's precision with three penalty goals, a try, and two conversions kept the scoreboard ticking and the Lions on their toes.
The Lions, under the fresh leadership of captain Maro Itoje and head coach Andy Farrell, responded with grit and determination. Bundee Aki broke through Argentina's defense, scoring the Lions' first try, which Fin Smith successfully converted. The Lions also earned a penalty try following a powerful driving maul, capitalizing on a sin binning of Pumas prop Mayco Vivas for deliberate collapse. This man-advantage allowed Tadhg Beirne to crash over for a converted try, briefly giving the Lions a glimmer of control in the second half.
However, Argentina's resilience was on full display. Santiago Cordero scored a breathtaking coast-to-coast try in the second half, outpacing the Lions' defense and reinstating the Pumas' lead. This try epitomized Argentina’s clinical counter-attacking prowess and highlighted the challenges the Lions faced in maintaining defensive cohesion under pressure.
Throughout the match, the Lions showcased moments of attacking flair, with players like Tommy Freeman and Marcus Smith standing out. Yet, errors and penalties consistently undermined their efforts. The Lions led the Pumas for only 12 minutes during the entire match and squandered two prime attacking opportunities in the final four minutes—once with a halted lineout maul and again with a penalty overturned due to a neck roll infringement by Beirne.
Captain Maro Itoje candidly reflected on the team's performance, telling Sky Sports, “We weren't as consistent as we would have liked to be. We only showed glimmers of what we can do. When we were on it, we looked good, we just need to do it more consistently. Argentina showed us where we are lacking. I am happy we had a hard-fought game. We live and learn. This is only match one.”
Coach Andy Farrell also acknowledged the team's shortcomings, emphasizing the high error rate as a key factor in the defeat. “You can't win a test with that error rate. We lost enough balls in that game for a full tour, throwing balls that weren't on. They were hungrier than us with the ball on the ground. There was good and bad throughout. We were just a little bit off, I take responsibility for that. I hope we are better off for that,” Farrell said.
The Lions' lineout was notably shaky, requiring serious work as the team moves forward. Their attacking patterns and final passes also need sharpening. However, the scrum was a bright spot, with the forwards exerting dominance and providing a platform for the backs. The pace of their attacking play was dizzying at times, hinting at the potential firepower within the squad.
The match was also significant as Andy Farrell's first game as Lions head coach, adding weight to the learning curve for the team. The 16-strong Irish contingent within the squad had extra motivation to perform well on home turf, with Tadhg Beirne stating, “For us Irish players it’s extra special and means a lot.”
Despite the loss, the Lions can take heart from their physicality and flashes of cohesion. The forwards, including Ellis Genge and Beirne, laid the groundwork for scoring opportunities, and the backs demonstrated skill and pace. Yet, Argentina's defense was outstanding, and their ability to capitalize on turnovers and counter-attacks proved decisive.
Argentina’s victory was historic, marking their first-ever win over the Lions since their rivalry began in 1910. The Pumas’ ruthlessness was evident in their three tries, including two originating from inside their own 22-meter line, showcasing their ability to turn defense into attack rapidly.
The Lions will now shift their focus to Australia, where they will engage in a series of matches against Australian clubs before facing the Wallabies in a three-test series starting in July. Their first match down under is scheduled against the Western Force in Perth on June 29, 2025.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Lions respond to this setback. The match served as a valuable reality check, highlighting areas for improvement such as consistency, discipline, and execution under pressure. Yet, the talent and potential within the squad remain evident, promising an intriguing tour ahead.
As the Lions regroup, the lessons learned in Dublin will be pivotal. The players and coaching staff have a clear roadmap of what needs refining to compete at the highest level. With the backing of their passionate supporters and a wealth of experience within the squad, the Lions aim to translate their flashes of brilliance into sustained success in the coming weeks.
