The Pumas proved more ferocious than the Lions as Argentina cinched a ruthless victory over the British and Irish team in a historic game played at sold-out Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
CLAWING THEIR WAY TO VICTORY
Historically, the British and Irish Lions rugby team hadn’t lost an opening tour game since 1971 – earning them a winning streak that extended beyond 50 years of roaring success.
However, this infamy came to a startling halt on the 20th June 2025, when the Argentinian Pumas asserted themselves as the real kings of the jungle, baring their fangs and unparalleled tenacity in a 28-24 win at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The match was the first time the Lions played under the direction of Head Coach Andy Farrell, who walked on familiar grounds in an effort to return the team to its former glory following the 2021 series defeat in South Africa.
Despite their lacklustre performance, the Lions were met with a ‘Sea of Red’ as the sold-out stadium was filled to the brim with fans adorned in the team colour as a patriotic send-off before the squad embarks on the 2025 tour to Australia, where they will play nine games across the country, starting with the Wallabies.
The special atmosphere that enveloped the stadium was unmissable, as the match was not only the first time the British and Irish team lost an opening tour game in over five decades, but also a historic moment for the Pumas as it was their first win against the Lions since 1910 – making the match a rare sight to behold, regardless of one’s team.
Argentina, the Rugby World Cup semi-finalists, had one word that defined their success on that Friday – cohesion.
MAKING HISTORY
Proving to be hungrier for the victory, the Pumas dominated the Lions from the start, as the British and Irish squad were unable to find a way through the determined visitors’ defensive display, which proved to be powerful and deeply resilient.
Whilst the Lions enjoyed possession for the majority of the match, in addition to having a better scrum and only losing five penalties, they led the way for a mere total of 12 out of 80 minutes, with Argentina punishing their sloppy errors to claim victory.
What the Lions have undoubtedly learnt from the match is the need to be more clinical with the ball, as they forced far too many passes under pressure from the Pumas’ outstanding defence.
The good news for the home team is that they didn’t experience any tour-ending injuries, and this defeat will force Head Coach Farrell to critically assess the steps required to mould the squad into one capable of merging consistent possession with unyielding defence, particularly as they face several iconic teams during their Australian venture.
The Pumas, powerful and pummelling in their assault, scored the first points via a penalty from player Tomás Albornoz, and the first try of the match, which was completed in style by winger Ignacio Mendy following a cut-out pass from Albornoz to fullback Santiago Carreras in a gap.
Meanwhile, the Lions unfortunately had two of their tries ruled out for knock-ons. However, Bundee Aki was able to successfully get their first points on the board when he burst through three defenders to score an impressive try.
THE REAL KINGS OF THE JUNGLE
The second quarter of the match proved to be all Argentina.
Albornoz – one of the stars of the show – kicked two more penalties, followed by a conversion of his own injury-time try for a 21-10 lead.
The highlights of the game proved to be two Pumas tries from inside their own 22-yard line, which featured a spectacular play from Santiago Cordero.
Equally, the Lions faltered in protecting their ruck ball whilst within the Argentina 22-yard line, allowing the Pumas to set Albornoz away in an 80-metre counterattack; however, the British and Irish team then rubbed out the deficit thanks to the effort of the forwards.
Furthermore, a penalty try from a lineout maul sent Argentinian prop Mayco Vivas to the dreaded sin-bin, which the Lions used to their advantage to give Tadhg Beirne a converted try.
Despite this advantageous play, only moments later, the Pumas began an unstoppable counterattack that was expertly finished by a swan dive from Cordero, securing the team’s dominance and lead.
Even with 22 minutes left in the match, the Lions were unable to muster a reply to these sweeping attacks.
Whilst the game may have been a humbling experience for the Lions, the result will be regarded as nothing more than a minor setback and a source of inspiration as the team heads to the land Down Under for their nine-game tour.
