Pacific powerhouse fall short as Pumas stun Lions with historic win in Dublin showdown

Argentina have handed the British and Irish Lions a tough start to their tour Down Under with a narrow 28-24 loss in a warm-up match.

The defeat means the Lions’ hopes for an unbeaten 2025 campaign are dashed before they begin their journey to Australia.

The match, held in Dublin on Saturday (NZ time), was an exciting opener but saw the Pumas outplay the Lions, leaving head coach Andy Farrell and his team with a lot to think about as they prepare for their six-week tour of the southern hemisphere.

Argentina's strong defence proved key, as they were able to shut down the Lions, who had more possession but struggled to break through.

The Lions' team consist of players from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, and many were given the night off after their recent club matches.

Farrell hoped those selected to take the field against Argentina would grasp the opportunity to secure their spot in the final squad. Few did, including New Zealand-born Sāmoan Fua Leiofi Bundellu 'Bundee' Aki and Australian-born Tongan Sione Tuipulotu.

Aki, who plays for Ireland, was named at No.12 while Tuipolutu, who features for Scotland, paired Aki at centre. Both Pacific powerhouses were outstanding against the Pumas, but could not secure a win for their side.

Many were surprised at the decision to start Tuipulotu and Aki in the midfield, with both players ordinarily inside-centre options. Their carrying strength helped the team settle throughout the game, although Tuipulotu was denied at the tryline due to a knock-on.

The Lions, led by English lock Maro Itoje, the first Black player to captain the touring side from the northern hemisphere, faced early troubles as Argentina quickly scored two tries.

Tuipulotu-Aki midfield pairing power

Dan Biggar, the former Lions and Welsh playmaker, found the centre pairing surprising, telling journalists ahead of the Dublin test that "clearly, they're both 12s in a sense.

"Huw Jones was possibly not quite ready or fit enough to start, while Garry Ringrose is coming in off Leinster's URC success on Saturday, so it probably forced Andy Farrell into that.

"What playing Tuipulotu and Aki does give you when you play them together is plenty of power, and Argentina are going to be challenged on the gain-line.

"When you're coming together as a new group and finding your feet in a new system and shape, it's always so much easier to do that if you're on the front foot as a team. Those two will give a lot of go-forward, challenging the line and hopefully will allow other people's jobs to become easier in finding their groove quicker."

But the Pumas were not going to let the Lions run wild. As they had done when both sides last met in a 25-25 draw before the 2005 tour, Argentina had the Lions in trouble early on Saturday, thanks to tries from Ignacio Mendy and Tomas Albornoz to give the South Americans a 21-10 halftime lead amid an Aki score.

The Pumas managed only one converted try despite letting the Lions score twice in the second half. But the South Americans held on for the win.

First opening match loss for Lions

It was the first time in 54 years since the Lions' famous 1971 triumph in New Zealand with Barry John and Co that the 'best from Europe' had lost their opening match of any tour - and the setback left Farrell livid.

He didn’t hold back about his side’s lack of intensity, telling a post-match interview. But he says their error count was horrendous, allowing the Pumas to dictate much of the game.

“They were hungrier than us and that’s just not acceptable," Farrell says.

“Argentina deserved the win and capitalised on all our errors. There is a lot to do. 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."

The Lions tour the Southern Hemisphere nations - New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia on a four-yearly rotation. The last tour to Aotearoa was in 2017 when the Test Match ended in a 15-all draw at Eden Park on 8 July.

The Lions' six-week tour of Australia includes three test matches against the Wallabies and six other games against Australian clubs and provinces, beginning with the Western Force in Perth on 28 June.

All Blacks flanker Michael Jones against the British Lions in their third Test at Eden Park in Auckland on 3 July 1993. NZ won 30-13 to clinch the series. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Wallabies name squad for Fiji Test

Wallabies' coach Joe Schmidt has announced a 36-player squad for Australia's Test match against Fiji in Newcastle on 6 July. The Wallabies will then face the Lions in Brisbane on 19 July. A 40-member squad for that test will be named on 11 July.

One notable omission is veteran James O'Connor, who has had an outstanding Super Rugby Pacific campaign for the Crusaders but has not been selected for the Wallabies' Test against Fiji. O'Connor has been named in the Crusaders' side to take on the Chiefs in the grand final in Christchurch later on Saturday.

Other players left out include Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan, injured Queensland forwards Seru Uru and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Japan-based Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete, and France-based Pete Samu. But they could force their way into a larger 40-man squad.

Schmidt's squad includes 20 forwards and 16 backs, with Western Force backrower Nick Champion de Crespigny and ACT Brumbies' winger Corey Toole the only two uncapped players selected.

Crusaders' Australian import James O'Connor has been left out of the Wallabies' squad to face Fiji next month despite a super rugby campaign for the Christchurch club this season. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

In a media conference, Schmidt says the team's selection process was competitive, resulting in a mix of excited and disappointed players. He adds that the coaches had thorough discussions and believe they have chosen a group that will work well together.

The 59-year-old Kiwi-Irish mentor previously coached Ireland and was the attack coach for the All Blacks under Ian Foster. He was appointed the Wallabies' coach in January 2024. He will leave Australia in mid-2026.

Schmidt says the squad to face the Lions includes some continuity from the previous year alongside new or returning players who performed well in Super Rugby Pacific.

He says their immediate focus is on the upcoming match against Fiji, and the Australians need to regroup since they haven’t met since early January.

The Fiji squad includes 13 players who featured for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific this season. Photo/AAP/Darren England/Photosport

Fijian squad to face Australia, Scotland

Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians have named a 32-member squad to take on Australia and Scotland next month.

Australia’s test against Fiji in Newcastle will be the Wallabies’ only warm-up for their three-test series against the British and Irish Lions. Fiji will then play Scotland in Suva on 12 July.

The Fiji squad includes 13 players who featured for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific this season and 10 players based in France.

Fiji head coach Mick Byrne says his team is focused on competing against established Tier One sides like Australia and Scotland. He adds that the squad selected has depth and strength and aims to deliver a performance that will make Fijians proud.

He says the focus is also on creating tactical adaptability while maintaining the Fijian spirit, with a commitment to winning while playing their unique style of rugby.

Argentina celebrate their historic victory over the British and Irish Lions in Dublin on Saturday. Photo/INPHO/Billy Stickland/Photosport

FIJI: Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray. Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.

AUSTRALIA: Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson. Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.