British and Irish Lions winners and losers after Andy Farrell’s side fall to 28-24 defeat by Argentina – including one forward who had an outstanding display

• The British and Irish Lions fell to a disappointing defeat in Dublin  
• They were beaten by a well-drilled Pumas side in Andy Farrell’s first match 
• Here is a look at who improved their credentials and who struggled  

By ALEX BYWATER

After months of anticipation, the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour got off to a false start as Andy Farrell’s side were beaten 28-24 by Argentina in Dublin.

MailSport’s Alex Bywater was at the Aviva Stadium to look at the players who stood out for head coach Farrell and who struggled to get going…

With a focus on creating a team to win, coach Andy Farrell will be disappointed by defeat

Ellis Genge put in a strong performance in what was ultimately a losing cause

Skipper Maro Itoje will be desperate to taste his first victory as Lions captain after beginning with a loss

Ellis Genge (prop)

Genge really put down a marker. He anchored a Lions scrum that had dominance over the Argentinians – no mean feat given the Pumas pride themselves on their work in that area – and was also a marauding threat in the loose. Genge had a great carry in the build-up to Tadhg Beirne’s second-half try. He looks like a man set for a big tour.

Fin Smith (fly-half)

Emulated his grandfather Tom Elliot by becoming a Lion and manipulated the Argentina defence well, creating one-on-one opportunities for his dangerous outside backs. A first look at the 2025 Lions suggested they will play with an Ireland-style pod system in attack. Smith had plenty of forward options to use on short lines, but also out wide. It was noticeable how the Lions backs were always attached to each pod. While Farrell’s men were understandably far from perfect, Smith can be pleased with his outing.

Tommy Freeman (wing)

Scored in every round of the Six Nations for England and was a lively operator here, always looking for work. Farrell wants his wingers heavily involved all over the field and that suits Freeman down to the ground. Quick and powerful in the carry. Will be a key man Down Under.

Sione Tuipulotu (centre)

Hasn’t played much this season and unfortunately, there was a degree of rust to his performance. Dropped one ball from Freeman. It would be harsh to blame a team’s defensive struggles on one player alone, but the Lions were breached too often in his 13 channel. Probably better off at inside centre. Will definitely improve on this the more he plays.

Luke Cowan-Dickie (hooker)

Not a great birthday for the Sale hooker. Had an early try ruled out and struggled at line-out time. Too many of the Lions’ throws went awry, with a couple overthrown. Cowan-Dickie did play a part in the strong Lions scrum but he was replaced early in the second half. Line-out didn’t improve with Ronan Kelleher on in his place.

British & Irish Lions: M Smith 5; Freeman 7.5, Tuipulotu 4, Aki 6 (Daly 60), Van der Merwe 6 (Hansen 60); F Smith 7, Mitchell 5.5 (Williams 50,7); Genge 8 (Schoeman 60), Cowan-Dickie 4 (Kelleher 50), Bealham 7.5 (Furlong 60) (Bealham 80+1,7.5), Itoje (capt) 6.5 (Cummings 72,5), Beirne 7, Curry 6.5, Morgan 6 (Pollock 50), Earl 4

Lions TourArgentina Rugby

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British and Irish Lions winners and losers after Andy Farrell’s side fall to 28-24 defeat by Argentina – including one forward who had an outstanding display

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