We look at winners and losers from the British and Irish Lions Tour squad after their 28-24 conquest of Argentina. Pumas scored three dazzling tries to clinch an electrifying contest. Ellis Genge staked Dublin hosted the British and Irish Lions’ 2025 tour opener. Where a strong early push met resistance as Argentina edged out a 28-24 win. While Duhan van der Merwe and Marcus Smith had a tough outing.
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Andy Farrell didn’t hold back in his post-match remarks, criticizing his team’s performance after a string of knock-ons, and poor decisions. And reckless offloads left the head coach visibly frustrated. Had to pocket watch on as a lineout badly malfunctioned. Looking done the Lions side and each discrete performance at the Aviva Stadium.
Left-winger Duhan van der Merwe and full-back Marcus Smith both had mixed performances. While Van der Merwe occasionally demonstrated his trademark power in close quarters. He often squandered promising opportunities—either through tunnel vision or a reluctance to pass. One notable instance came in the first half when he charged into the 22 but failed to release scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who was well-positioned for a potential try.
Defensive Lapses and Handling Errors Cost Lions as Argentina Capitalize
While several other moments were botched to bring about odds for the Lions. Defensively, Van der Merwe also wriggled. Ignacio Mendy broke through to score Argentina’s opening tries. Taking advantage of a defensive lapse. Later, a handling error deep in the Pumas’ territory led to a turnover. Allowing Tomas Albornoz to cross for their second try just before halftime.
Van der Merwe just looked so far off the step in so many sides of the game. It’s worth noting that Van der Merwe had been sidelined with an ankle injury since late March. Which may explain his lack of sharpness. Yet the 30-year-old will have anticipated to play so much improved than he did. For Marcus Smith, there is no doubt.
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He’s an undeniably exciting talent when carrying the ball. And at times slotted in effectively as a secondary playmaker alongside Fin Smith in Dublin. However, Argentina targeted him under the high ball, forcing errors as he struggled to secure possession. One particularly costly moment came in the second half when the 26-year-old retreated over his try line under pressure.
Marcus Smith Struggles at Full-Back as Ellis Genge Shines in British and Irish Lions Tour
Smith was also out-jumped by Santiago Cordero in the air for what proved to be the decisive try of the match. Friday’s performance suggested that relying on Marcus Smith at full-back during the Test series against Australia could pose a significant risk for the British and Irish Lions Tour. Possibly the standout player on the pitch for the Lions on Friday evening was England prop Ellis Genge, who was undeniably dramatic.
The 30-year-old loosehead passed hard into interaction all day, making meters. While the Lions scrum proved utterly main – Genge winning his clash against Argentina and La Rochelle tighthead Joel Sclavi all ends up. Genge’s bullocking transport to generate Tadhg Beirne’s try was an immense piece of play.
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Alongside Genge in the forward-facing row. Ireland tighthead Finlay Bealham was also outstanding as the Lions scrum roared advancing for penalties repeatedly. Bealham also goes through a mountain of work oversensitively, both in terms of embarking upon and at the ruck. Elsewhere for the Lions, Bundee Aki mounted out in the backline with his needles.
Genge Shines, Tuipulotu Struggles, Beirne Dominates in Lions Defeat
He powered through with raw strength and impressive physicality. Finishing his try with exceptional precision. His amalgamation with Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu failed to work. However, the conclusion looks far added comfortable when encouraged to center in the second half. Beirne was overwhelmed in the second row.
Cutting a fabulous line for his try and screening plenty of quality and vigor around the park – save for a costly late neck roll. Wing Tommy Freeman also displayed lots of quality. Although the evening wasn’t flawless for the England and Northampton Saints player. His physical presence, speed, and eagerness to step in and support attacking phases posed a significant threat to Argentina — qualities that surely caught Farrell’s attention.
The Lions picked three very alike back-rows to jump in English duo Tom Curry and Ben Earl. And Wales’ Jac Morgan and Curry were impressed with his halt hazard and work rate. It proved a quiet evening for the other two. Morgan mostly will be upset. Coming off early in the second half having contributed petite to the race.
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