The British and Irish Lions kicked off their 2025 Australian tour with a commanding 54-7 victory over the Western Force at Perth's Optus Stadium, in front of a record crowd of 46,656 fans. This match marked the Lions' first official game on Australian soil after a narrow 28-24 defeat to Argentina in Dublin just a week prior. With a starting lineup dominated by Irish players and several debutants eager to make their mark, the Lions showcased a blend of raw talent, tactical prowess, and moments of brilliance that have reignited optimism among supporters.
From the outset, Lions captain Dan Sheehan set the tone by scoring a try just 95 seconds into the game, smashing the previous record for the quickest try on debut for the tourists. His early breakthrough was the first of eight tries the Lions would eventually cross the line for, underscoring their attacking dominance despite some early discipline issues. Sheehan's leadership from hooker was pivotal, and his performance was lauded by many as a glimpse into the formidable side the Lions are shaping for the upcoming Test series against the Wallabies.
One of the standout stars was 20-year-old Henry Pollock, making his first start for the Lions at No. 8. Pollock’s dynamic play, characterized by his acceleration and calm decision-making, was a constant threat to the Western Force defense. Early on, he linked seamlessly with openside flanker Josh van der Flier to set up the first of two tries for scrum-half Tomos Williams. Despite a few hiccups—including a spilled pass, a yellow card for a breakdown offense, and a minor altercation with Western Force's Nick Champion de Crespigny—Pollock's impact was undeniable. Lions captain Dan Sheehan praised him, saying, “I thought he was brilliant today. He does his own thing. He has his own way of playing. He’s probably different to a lot of the forwards. I enjoy that rugby, off the cuff – see what’s in front of you and make it happen.”
Pollock himself reflected on the team's mindset, stating, “We just spoke about bouncing back and getting back to what we do best. It’s been a whirlwind and has happened so fast. I love the big games and I’m trying to take it all in my stride.” His confidence and flair brought a fresh energy to the Lions' pack, and his ability to create momentum was evident, particularly in the second half when he surged clear, chipped ahead, and helped generate the momentum for a try by Joe McCarthy.
Joe McCarthy, the imposing Ireland lock, was named man of the match after an outstanding performance that combined physicality with skillful handling. His efforts in the lineout and open play drew praise from Australian commentators and Lions officials alike. McCarthy commented post-match, “It was tough. And that was a taste of what is to come. Australians like to play ball and play quick.” His display has intensified competition for second-row positions on the tour, especially as the Lions look to pair him alongside Scott Cummings to form a powerful engine room.
Full-back Elliot Daly also made a significant contribution, scoring two tries and proving a constant threat with his all-court game. Daly’s performances have bolstered his credentials for Test selection, especially with other backline options like Hugo Keenan battling fitness concerns and Blair Kinghorn yet to arrive from his Top 14 commitments. Meanwhile, Tomos Williams scored two tries but was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury, replaced by Alex Mitchell, who later dotted down the final try of the match, pushing the Lions' tally to 54 points.
Despite the comprehensive scoreline, Western Force captain Nic White felt the result did not fully reflect the match's competitiveness. “I don’t think [the scoreline] it reflects the game... it blew out towards the end. We felt like we put them under a lot of pressure, and rattled a couple of cages. I thought Henry Pollock lived up to the hype. He came into his own as they kept on the intensity and he’s a hell of a ball-carrier,” White said.
However, Lions head coach Andy Farrell acknowledged that while the second half showed improvement, the first half exposed some vulnerabilities. “Our discipline in the first half was not good, when we gained our composure in the second half we were able to be nice and calm and our defence improved out of sight. We were able to force errors and score tries off the back of it. Let’s be honest, the Force took it to us there, they played tough. We kept them in good positions through our mistakes,” Farrell explained. He also noted the team's hunger and ambition but stressed the need for continuous development. “I thought you saw [Pollock’s] point of difference, that’s for sure. But he’s learning all the time. There’s plenty to work on to make sure that the team that we want to be, and he’s part of that.”
The Lions' technical staff had some concerns about the pitch conditions at Optus Stadium, which appeared sandy and patchy, particularly around the scrums. Lions scrum coach John Fogarty had warned that the surface might cut up during the game, potentially impacting set-piece stability. Despite this, the Lions managed to assert themselves in the scrum more effectively in the second half compared to their previous match against Argentina.
Discipline was a mixed bag throughout the game, with the Lions conceding multiple penalties early on and Pollock receiving a yellow card after a series of team infringements. The Lions' kick-off receptions were also problematic, with six losses gifting Western Force attacking opportunities. Defensive lapses creaked at times, but the attacking firepower and intent kept the Lions ahead comfortably.
The Western Force, who finished in the bottom half of the Super Rugby Pacific table but boasted six current Wallabies players, including Nic White, fought hard but were ultimately outclassed. Their lineout, a traditional strength, was targeted by the Lions, with Joe McCarthy and Scott Cummings disrupting possession effectively. The Force’s crowd of over 46,000, a franchise record, showed strong support, but the majority were Lions fans, reflecting the large expatriate community in Perth and the global allure of the Lions.
Looking ahead, the Lions depart for Brisbane with a crucial decision to make regarding scrum-half cover, as Tomos Williams’ hamstring injury will be assessed closely. Jamison Gibson-Park is expected to be fit for the next match, but the squad may need to call up Scotland’s Ben White to ensure adequate depth.
Overall, the Lions’ performance was a significant step forward from their defeat to Argentina, balancing moments of flair with areas needing improvement. Their ability to score eight tries, with contributions from debutants and established stars alike, bodes well as they build cohesion and momentum ahead of the Test series. The tour is underway in earnest, and with players like Pollock and McCarthy making strong cases for inclusion, the excitement for the coming weeks in Australia is palpable.
