Argentina Stuns British and Irish Lions in Dublin as Tomas Albornoz Shines in Historic Win
Argentina surprised many by defeating the British and Irish Lions 28-24 in Dublin, with standout performances from Albornoz and the back row paving the way for their historic victory. The Lions’ struggles in accuracy and aerial battles highlighted significant deficiencies that they must address moving forward.
Argentina dealt a shocking blow to the British and Irish Lions, winning 28-24 in the opening match of their 2025 tour at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The Argentine team, powered by stellar performances from their half-backs and a strong back row, outperformed Lions coach Andy Farrell’s squad throughout the match. Ignacio Mendy, Tomas Albornoz, and Santiago Cordero each scored tries, while Albornoz added three penalties, as the Lions limped to their feet with tries from Bundee Aki, Tadhg Bierne, and a late penalty try.
The game’s misfortunes were highlighted by some unfortunate mishaps from both teams. Acting captain Tadhg Bierne and Argentina’s Julian Montoya both had moments where they could have given the match away, yet the Lions ultimately failed to capitalize. Argentina displayed sharper precision, notably through their defence led by Justo Piccardo, who quelled the Lions’ offensive pushes. Gonzalez and Oviedo in the back row stood out, leading their team to a deserved victory against their rivals for the first time since 2005.
The Lions struggled with accuracy, particularly in midfield. They sported a center combination that lacked variety, contributing to a sluggish start. Their performance in the back row was lacklustre, save for some commendable work from Ellis Genge and Bierne. Only Marcus Smith showcased consistent attacking brilliance. The Lions’ efforts to push flat were thwarted by an array of unforced errors, a turnover in combinations, and inevitable fatigue from a demanding season, resulting in a disrupted flow to their game.
On the other side, Argentina’s loose forward trio shone brightly. While Tom Curry performed well, the Pumas’ back row printed their authority on the match. Joaquin Oviedo’s impressive carrying and linking proved pivotal in establishing scoring opportunities, while Juan Martin Gonzalez dominated the aerial game. Albornoz’s extraordinary kicking and vision created chaos for the Lions, further setting the stage for Los Pumas’ first try, courtesy of a seamless attack.
The Lions’ challenge was compounded by their failures in aerial battles. Argentina displayed an upper hand in this crucial area, with Rodrigo Isgro and Ignacio Mendy outperforming their counterparts in both kick-catching and defensive setups. For extended periods, this deficiency in kick and catch led to significant gaps in Lions’ strategy and execution. In addition, the Lions’ line-out struggled under pressure, with Luke Cowan-Dickie failing to find his targets. Once Ronan Kelleher entered, the line-out improved slightly, but still posed significant issues.
Argentina’s triumph over the British and Irish Lions in Dublin marks a significant upset and illustrates the need for the Lions to reassess their game strategy moving forward. Argentina’s stronger performance in aerial exchanges and in the collisions, combined with individual brilliance from Albornoz and the back row, directly contributed to their historic win. The Lions now face considerable pressure to regroup and refine their tactics before the upcoming tests.
Original Source: www.planetrugby.com
