British Irish Lions Begin Australia Tour with Dublin Defeat to Argentina

The British & Irish Lions began their 2025 tour with a challenging match against Argentina in Dublin, marking their first game under new coach Andy Farrell. Despite a spirited performance, the Lions suffered a defeat, their first opening-game loss this century, with Argentina's Santiago Carreras and fly-half Tomas Albornoz delivering standout performances. Argentina, led by captain Julian Montoya and coached by former Leinster star Felipe Contepomi, fielded a competitive side despite missing several Top 14 players due to semi-finals. The Lions, captained by Maro Itoje, featured a squad resting many domestic finalists, with some key players on the bench due to recent club commitments. This warm-up match, played at a high intensity befitting a full Test, left the Lions with areas to improve before heading to Australia for the three-Test series against the Wallabies. The encounter was notable for its physicality, with several Lions players sustaining injuries, but it also showcased the Lions' potential under Farrell's fresh leadership.