British and Irish Lions vs Argentina: Three Things We Learned

The British and Irish Lions fell to Argentina 28-24 in their opening match. Key players Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan had standout performances, but communication and lineout execution proved problematic. Andy Farrell faces challenges to improve cohesion ahead of the match against the Western Force in Perth next week.

The British and Irish Lions kicked off their 2023 tour with a disappointing 28-24 defeat against Argentina in Dublin on Friday. This loss leaves head coach Andy Farrell with significant areas to address ahead of their upcoming match against the Western Force in Perth next Saturday. Here are three crucial takeaways from the opening encounter.

First and foremost, Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan stood out prominently. Freeman, already on a high from his recent performance in the Six Nations and his club campaign with Northampton, showcased his skills effectively. From the very beginning, he exuded a sense of danger with the ball. He maintained composure rather than forcing plays, which gave the defenders something to think about. Morgan, one of the only two Welsh representatives on the squad, carried an impressive workload on both sides of the ball. His robust performance and leadership qualities resonated well against Argentina, making him a notable presence in a competitive back row.

Secondly, communication proved to be a significant hurdle for the Lions. At times, when the team gained momentum, they displayed flashes of brilliance. Yet, that wasn’t consistent enough. Players such as Freeman, Duhan van der Merwe, and Sione Tuipulotu looked dangerous but struggled to maintain pressure on their opponents. The team’s ambition sometimes led to loose carries or ill-timed passes, cutting short promising plays. The good news is that they can control these communication issues with practice. Farrell noted there were moments of free-flowing rugby but reiterated that building cohesion is vital and won’t happen overnight.

Finally, the Lions face immediate challenges with their lineout execution. Both hookers, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ronan Kelleher, encountered difficulties, resulting in several lost throws. They are seasoned players, but this area demands improvement before they go head-to-head with the Wallabies. Joe Schmidt, with his significant insights into the team, is likely already pinpointing weaknesses. A faltering lineout could undermine the Lions, so addressing this issue needs to be a priority ahead of their next fixture.

In summary, the Lions will need to regroup following their loss to Argentina. The promising performances of Freeman and Morgan are positive signs, but the team must enhance communication and quickly rectify their lineout issues. With the upcoming match against the Western Force looming, Farrell’s adjustments will be critical in turning their fortunes around.

In conclusion, the British and Irish Lions’ opening match against Argentina highlighted several areas needing attention. While individual performances from players like Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan shone brightly, communication lapses and lineout struggles affected the overall team’s performance. As the Lions prepare for their next challenge against the Western Force, addressing these issues will be paramount.

Original Source: www.espn.co.uk