- Lions bounced back from their defeat by Argentina at Aviva Stadium last week
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The 2025 British & Irish Lions bounced back from their tour’s false start against Argentina last week to claim a 54-7 over Western Force in Perth.
But given that warm-up matches are judged by performances rather than results, Andy Farrell still has much to ponder after a solid, if unimpressive, first-half display.
Lions captain Dan Sheehan scored early to give the visitors the lead before rival skipper Nic White hit back for the Force just three minutes later. The hosts went on to frustrate the Lions but were undone by tries from Tomos Williams and Elliot Daly, which gave the visitors a 21-7 lead at the interval.
Farrell had some strong words for his troops during the break and saw a marked improvement from his roster who recorded three scores in the first 15 minutes of the second period.
Williams, Garry Ringrose and Joe McCarthy all touched down to put the Lions out of sight in what became a commanding display. Daly walked in another in the final 10 before Alex Mitchell’s try saw the Lions break 50.
Mail Sport’s Chris Foy was at the Optus Stadium in Perth to cast an eye over the performers on Saturday afternoon, with the Tests in mind.
Elliot Daly – 8.5
Imperious. The England veteran claimed a brace of tries, covered the back-field well and showcased deft handling and vision. Real shot at 15.
Mack Hansen – 7.5
Real mixed bag from the Ireland wing. Early on, he was erratic but later he started cutting loose and wreaking havoc. Outsider for Tests.
Garry Ringrose – 7
Delivered some big shots in defence and scored a try but only occasional glimpses of his running class in midfield. Status uncertain.
Sione Tuipulotu – 6.5
Scotland captain is still trying to hit his stride after long injury break. Some positive touches but rusty elements too. More needed.
James Lowe – 8
Started with back-hand assist and he grew more and more influential. So dangerously instinctive with the ball. Likely series starter.
Finn Russell – 8.5
Controlling, creative and clever. Produced cross-kick assists, shrewd distribution and his share of defensive graft too. Test 10-in-waiting.
Tomos Williams – 7
His injury scare will worry the Lions coaches. Scored two tries, tidy box-kicking and maintained attacking tempo. Test contender if fit.
Pierre Schoeman – 6
The Scotland prop was at the forefront of a struggling Lions scrum although he put in a lot of work in defence. Fringe candidate.
Dan Sheehan – 7
Statement start as he touched down in the second minute. Consistent lineout service and usual impact in the loose. Big shift. Test shoo-in.
Tadhg Furlong – 6
The Irish giant has so much Lions pedigree but was also unable to produce set-piece stability. Still striving for match sharpness. Under pressure.
Scott Cummings – 4
His glaring series of lapses at re-starts created openings for the Force and the Scot was unable to take his chance. Ill-fated audition.
Joe McCarthy – 9
What a towering performance. On this form, he should partner Maro Itoje. Powerful and agile, tenacious and aggressive. Star man.
Tadhg Beirne – 6.5
Switched to back row and didn’t stand out as he often does. Gave away early penalty and quiet by his standards. Test case unclear.
Josh van der Flier – 8
The openside dynamo was relentlessly involved, in attack and defence. Tackles and support play and assists. Right in the mix.
Henry Pollock – 8
Astonishing. Two miracle plays created two tries. Does things others can’t but yellow card, antagonism and errors too. Can’t be ignored.
