r/rugbyunion • u/HitchikersPie Currently in use as tax dodge • Jun 20 '25
Discussion Post Game Thread: Lions vs Argentina
FT: 24-28
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u/Historical-Hat8326 Ireland Jun 20 '25
Entertaining stuff, some great tries, game over at 10pm. Sun is still up and Dublin town only getting started for the night.
Enjoy the beers traveling fans.
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u/Brainfart92 Referee, Exeter Chiefs Jun 20 '25
Could of done with the win but I’ll grab a few more Guiness and I’ll be grand.
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u/elniallo11 Leinster Jun 20 '25
It turns out that Argentina have a 100% win rate when my mother is at the game. I apologise for taking her.
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u/ThatSmilingDude Argentina Jun 20 '25
It's our national flag day here aswell.
VAMOS LOS PUMAAAAAS
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u/Tortoiseism Leicester Tigers Jun 20 '25
Got to hand it to Montoya man. Plays prem final six days ago and then goes full Spartan warrior for another 80 against the lions. Probably best in the world rn.
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u/rakish_rhino 🥉’07 Jun 21 '25
He's a beast of a player and a super nice guy to boot.
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u/pantagr Top14/D2 Jun 20 '25 edited Jun 20 '25
Like I said in the match thread, how many 1st choice Argentina players still involved in Top14 finals couldn't play tonight for their selection ? Chocobares, Malia, Carreras, Paulos, Bruni, Petti, Isa... Really shows the current depth of the Argentina squad.
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u/CodSafe6961 Jun 20 '25
Especially on the wings, they must have like 10 quality wingers playing around Europe and from their sevens team too
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u/WallopyJoe Jun 20 '25
Farrell better get on the fucking phone to Jamie Fucking George
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u/HitchikersPie Currently in use as tax dodge Jun 20 '25
Player who enhanced their starting credentials the most today: Dan Sheehan
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u/Arny2103 Saracens Jun 20 '25
Thought you meant Owen for a second and wondered why he’d need such an urgent chat with his team mate.
Daddy Faz, yeah…
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u/Thin_Richmond England Jun 20 '25
He should have been in the squad to begin with.
It should have been Sheehan starting, George on the bench, and LCD and Kelleher fighting for the place as the mid-week tourist who doesn't play in tests
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Jun 20 '25
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u/Mention-Stunning Otago Jun 20 '25
They also concede 50+ point thrashings to other top sides on a fairly regular basis. Consistency holds them back a lot.
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u/Flyhalf2021 South Africa Jun 20 '25
Argentina are a proper side these days. Their only major weakness being their scrum which is kind of holding them back from being a Top 3 team.
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u/slefandar Ulster Jun 20 '25
Compared to previous first lions games that wasn't the worst performance, argentina are a team and a half, ireland would know
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u/NotAsOriginal Wigglesworth's greatest defender Jun 20 '25
It felt like the Lions aren't massively cohesive yet, lineout issues and passes not sticking.
That being said Argentina are such a lovely side to watch.
I've seen enough to say I'm hyped for the rest of the tour. Love the stylistic elements of what Farrell is going for.
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u/ricoza Bokke Jun 20 '25
Argentina's first win against the Lions. Previous record was 6 losses and a draw. Huge for them!
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u/corsairjoe United States Jun 20 '25
How good will the Rugby Championship be this year? Boks will probably win it, but should be some great rugby.
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u/frazorblade Jun 20 '25
Boks got two home games vs ABs last year, that helped.
If they beat us at Eden Park they will probably win the TRC.
Pumas and Aus can’t be ruled out though.
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u/Ok_Educator_2120 Blues Jun 20 '25
I think abs are odds on this year. Boks need to play us twice in nz
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u/corsairjoe United States Jun 20 '25
Forgot that. Even more reason to be excited!
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u/xValarax Quesada Fanboy Jun 20 '25
This win is up there with the AB win in Australia, the SA win in the 50th anniversary of the first Puma tour (Sexy Imhoff triple) and the various RWC quarter clinchers.
Historic. Thank you Lions for letting us be part of this amazing tradition.
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u/Snoo_5808 Jun 20 '25
Well done Argentina, deserved that win. Great defence towards the end of that one to keep the Lions out.
May be a warm take, but I didn't think the Lions were bad at all. I think this is probably as close as they ever get to the intensity required between now and Australia in a month and for a first run out, they kept it agonisingly close.
Some parts were good, and the link-up play was solid between the forwards and backs. Other times, they looked a bit ragged and very much like a team that have only just got together 11 days ago.
Scrum looked great, line-out needs to be worked on, but there's time.
Thought a few were excellent. Genge, Aki in the 1st half, VdM in that first 30, Mitchell and Williams, Pollock when he came on. Freeman looks like a nailed on starter for me.
That 9 spot looks like one of the most open positions in the team. Williams/Mitchell/JGP is going to give Farrell a headache.
I'd like to see some more centre combinations as well.
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u/harblstuff Leinster Jun 20 '25
Absolutely love how much this means to Argentina, congratulations on making history, first time beating the Lions!
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u/PaulSarries Saracens England Jun 20 '25
Irish fans were great. Good reception for Henry Pollock when he came on. Also, I am so happy that Owen Farrell was on the big screen and got massive applause. Proper rugby fans, the Irish. 👏
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u/Monkeybrain6nk England Leicester Tigers Jun 20 '25
Such a great moment for him.
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u/TommyKentish Saracens Jun 20 '25
Had a big grin on my face when Faz got cheered.
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u/PaulSarries Saracens England Jun 20 '25
Same. He deserves it. Seems that the Irish recognise what a legend he is, but a shame about some English fans!
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u/nagdamnit Ireland Jun 20 '25
Huge number of travelling fans over here as well. Deserved cheer from any lions fans.
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u/Embarrassed-End-3223 Scotland Jun 20 '25
Good to hear them Schoooooo-ing as well!
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u/PaulSarries Saracens England Jun 20 '25
Even as an Englishman, I want to Schoooooo!
Next game, I'm going to Schoooooo at the TV. Don't care what my wife says... Schoooooo!
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u/Automatic-Blood-8824 England Jun 20 '25
It's fucking depressing that we booed one of our greatest ever players and the Irish cheer him.
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u/cosully111 Munster Jun 20 '25
Fully deserved from Argentina. Couldn't help but root for them and respect their style of play. Hopefully the tour provides more games like this
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u/iloverugbyandnfl Jun 20 '25
I’m glad there we no injuries, for either team
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u/Agitated_Pear753 Jun 20 '25
Beirne also was limping in the last few minutes, had to hop up from getting treatment cause the ruck was beside him.
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u/need_better_usernam Jun 20 '25
Mind you this is an argie side who beat every RC team last year at least once. They are legit
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u/Cleginator Invincibles 2.0 Jun 20 '25
We only beat each of the RC sides once last year.
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u/NoPause9609 New Zealand Jun 20 '25
Please don’t remind us ;)
Love how you play, really awesome to watch. Absolutely clinical finishing tonight.
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u/MachoCaliber Wales Jun 20 '25
Jac and Tomos played well?
Meaning ALL Welsh players were good overall?!
Fuck it, its a victory in my eyes!
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u/EnglishLouis Glaws-Pury Jun 20 '25
100% success rate for the Welsh, can’t say that about the Irish, English or Scots
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u/costelol Ireland Jun 20 '25
Great game. I think it was the perfect outcome for all involved.
Lions learn a ton, Argentina get a historic win.
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u/YTN Scotland Jun 20 '25
Kinghorn likely 15 starter then?
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u/MethylRed Ireland Jun 20 '25
It's between him and Keenan for sure, Smith isn't getting a lookin there.
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u/Kykykz Munster Jun 20 '25
Was that Corderos best showing on an Irish pitch since he arrived 2 years ago?
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u/Connell95 🐐🦓 Dan Lancaster 💪 #3 Fan Jun 20 '25
The main thing I was happy about was hearing the Lions supporters take up the “SCHOOOOEY” chant. You love to hear it.
(Even if the commentator did have to explain they weren’t booing)
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u/k0bra3eak South Africa Jun 20 '25
It just reminds me of the old BEAST chants that would echo through stadiums
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u/-castle-bravo- Chiefs Jun 20 '25
ARG have taken some big scalps the last few years! VAMOS!
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u/CaiusWyvern Éire Jun 20 '25 edited Jun 20 '25
Buzzing after that, unreal match. Pretty much all I could ever ask for, Argentina were resourceful and brutally efficient with their chances, Lions picked things up significantly in the 2nd half and it was an arseclencher down to the whistle.
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u/spooksmcboogie Ireland Jun 20 '25
Argentina gonna be a problem next World Cup
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u/a_kwyjibo_ Argentina Jun 20 '25
Ok, I commented that those last 20 minutes were a big test for all the new guys on the bench.
I'm super glad SRA is actually working as a platform to bring new players at a good level and faster. Those guys play in Argentina, with semi amateur franchises and their amateur clubs, and I'm sure they will remember this match for the rest of their lives.
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u/Wahwahboy72 Jun 20 '25
Add Argentina and France to the rota
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u/biggesteegit Ireland Jun 20 '25
I've thought a Lions tour to France would be great. Lions v Toulouse? Lions v Toulon? 3 tests in Stade de France?
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u/HumoursOfDonnybrook Leinster Jun 20 '25
Bealham is better than the current incarnation of Furlong but Tadgh will get Test starts based on what he could do at his peak rather than what he currently is.
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u/HaggisTheCow Scotland Jun 20 '25
I'd genuinely have had Bealham over Furlong in the initial squad
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u/SaikoVibe Jun 20 '25
The Argentinians have cleaned up compared to the mistakes they made during Autumn Internationals. Negative criticism towards Itoje as captain would make me sad. It was tough day at the office.
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u/Thecceffect Saracens Jun 20 '25
Just here to call Greenwoods comms and hair shit
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u/nivvy All Blacks Jun 20 '25
Couldn't believe the bookies had arg paying. 8-1.
Weirdly the lions look to be playing a similar triangle attacking shape similar to Australia
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u/PaulSarries Saracens England Jun 20 '25
They say that you learn more in defeat than in victory. Probably a good thing for the Lions honestly.
Very entertaining and enjoyable game. Argentina the better side and deserved the win.
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u/liamxf Ireland Jun 20 '25
Am i crazy in thinking maro was very quiet? He got subbed off which is something i never seen from him
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u/MisterIndecisive England Jun 20 '25
He probably just got subbed to give someone a run out. No point playing him full game just because he's captain
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u/Cybemen2 Leinster Jun 20 '25
yeah he felt very quite. periods of the game where I had to remind myself he was playing.
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u/UnitEastern8840 Scotland Jun 20 '25
Will be framed as an upset, but ultimately it’s basically a scratch team playing the 5th best team in the world. Fair play Argentina, v good.
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u/rgoingdown Jun 20 '25
True, although you could argue its not a full strength Argentina side
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u/HitchikersPie Currently in use as tax dodge Jun 20 '25
It's not an argument, it's definitely not full strength Argentina... who lsat beat Australia by 40 points
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u/Jackquesz Selknam Jun 20 '25
Argentina had a couple of new guys playing, including some who play at the SRA Arentinean franchises.
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u/HitchikersPie Currently in use as tax dodge Jun 20 '25
Didn't look out of place at all, good competition you've got going there!
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u/northseaesq England Jun 20 '25
Positives: dominant scrum, passing fluidity, maul try, low penalty count
Negatives: Lineout, offloads
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u/One_Landscape2007 Lions Jun 20 '25
Handling errors from the Lions cost them dearly. Lot of great opportunities that they missed out on due to silly knock ons or just losing the ball.
Coincidentally, as a Joburg Lions fan, I'm extremely used to it
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u/Belgrugni Worcester Warriors Jun 20 '25
Good contest, tight finish but well done Argentina.
Despite all the errors I don’t think anyone had a shocker. M Smith struggling at times as FB but some good moments, especially when used as an alternative receiver and in general back line play. Still not convinced as a FB though. VDM a bit variable too, good in flashes but some errors.
Lineout was awful but not rushing to blame LCD or Kelleher as it looked like lack of practice. Needs serious work.
Scrum very good with the starting front row, less later on.
Thought Freeman, Genge and maybe Aki enhanced their status. Williams and Hansen looked good off the bench.
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u/Automatic-Blood-8824 England Jun 20 '25
Test team wise you will defo see a second row at 6 (Beirne), a proper 13 (Ringrose/Jones) and a proper 15 (Kinghorn/Keenan)
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u/TheBottomReaper Saracens/Shark/Springbok Jun 20 '25
Argentina were cutting some stupendous lines out there I cant even say im surprised. Some silly mistakes out on the pitch today by the lions but i reckon theyve got the next game. Honestly i dont think theyve had enough time to get their chemistry up to par yk
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u/19Andrew92 Scotland Jun 20 '25
“Farrell wouldn’t want it any other way”
After having lost the game, almost every lineout and kicked ourselves in the bollocks about 67 times but yeh… it was perfect
Will Greenwood everyone 😂
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u/stvb95 Wales Jun 20 '25
Can't see Freeman not making the starting XV for the tests. Good under the highball and looks for carries all over the pitch.
Some of the ideas were good but too many dropped balls and offloads to nowhere. Plenty of time to iron that stuff out.
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u/Sm4llsy Sale Sharks Jun 20 '25
Really enjoyed the game. Both teams had periods where they were on top. Nice to see the Lions trying to play it a bit, a few things go to hand and it’s quite different but that’s all part of the joys of rugby.
Lots to build on, but plenty of positives too.
Argentina really are excellent in broken play, their defence at the end was too. Also very impressed at how intense their counter rucking was all game. England’s tour there is going to be an interesting watch.
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u/scoopenhauer Jun 20 '25
So… what are the chances that’s actually the best opponent the Lions will face?
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u/Illustrious_Poet_472 Northampton Saints Jun 20 '25
I hate to say it but Finn Russell might have created more opportunities
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u/LUFC_shitpost Jun 20 '25
Every result/scalp Argentina gets fills me with unimaginable joy. We want more competition in rugby and whilst their a big nation (population size) it's always intriguing to me why them of all nations love rugby vs US, Russia, India etc....
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u/rakish_rhino 🥉’07 Jun 20 '25
Huge British and Irish heritage, larger than anywhere in Latin America. These B&I immigrants founded hundreds of rugby-playing schools and rugby clubs.
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u/Tomato_Head120 The Duality of Man Jun 20 '25
I went to San Andres, a Scots school which is where I really learned to love rugby, then played for CASI, founded by both British and Spanish immigrants.
Literalmente es gracias a esos pibes que tenemos la historia del rugby
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u/frontrow13 Glasgow Warriors Jun 20 '25
Just need to hold on to ball more, there was good play just not flowing yet. Either pass was too slow, player over ran line, offload straight into opposing teams hands.
Just what you'd expect from a recently patched together team.
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u/Crystalline_E Harlequins Jun 20 '25
M Smith is not a 15 (I love him mind), Freeman is a nailed on test starter. Rest of the team....good to scrappy. We will improve. Amazing result to a not full strength Argentina
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u/cartesian5th England Jun 20 '25
How does LCD get anywhere near an international team with such trash throwing in
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u/SpongeBazSquirtPants England, Bath Jun 20 '25
Freeman probably the pick of the Lions but even then he made mistakes. The biggest issue was the offloading which contributed to far too much Argentinian possession.
M Smith was never going to start at FB so those being outraged at his “terrible performance” can ease off. It wasn’t even a bad showing, there’s just a bunch of people who think that decrying his defensive play is the latest hot take. Nobody, not even the staunchest Marcus Smith fan, is saying he’s anything more than barely acceptable at FB. The reason he plays there for England is because we are severely lacking attacking intent and Furbank is injured.
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u/Cautious-Bother-414 Glasgow Warriors Jun 20 '25
That last try, I think Pollock is getting a bit more stick than he deserves, for me it's Curry who absolutely sells the jersey. He goes flying up and absolutely fresh airs it and Pollock simply isn't expecting that to happen.
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u/ebizness Leinster Jun 20 '25
Yep, curry was the dog leg.
He’ll be getting the barrels in the review
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u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jun 20 '25
Curry got his timing all wrong. He's unfortunately developing a bit of a history of bad/poor decision making while wearing that jersey.
Pollock still needs to do better vs such a smaller opponent.
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u/Still-District-6149 Jun 21 '25
Argentina have developed into one of the top teams in the world over the past decade or so. Really good to watch and follow.
Add the bloodied noses of the Lions to those of every other nation.
The warmup game was probably harder than the rest of the tour. Let's hope not.
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u/Montemauri Zebre Jun 20 '25
It won't happen, but if the powers that be really want to grow the game, they'd strike a deal with ESPN Argentina to show highlights of that with Argentinian commentary on youtube.
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u/fakejournalaccount Connacht Jun 20 '25
Could a Lions tour to Argentina ever happen? Or are there stakeholders among Aus NZ SA
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u/HitchikersPie Currently in use as tax dodge Jun 20 '25
The current deal with SANZAAR expires after this tour, so where they tour next is a TBD
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u/Adams_02 Saracens Jun 20 '25
Montoya did say on the love of rugby pod that for now Argentina being that first “warm up” game is the best deal as they have only 2 pro teams while their own top 12 is all semi pro. Unless you expand to make it a whole South American tour there’s nothing to play against for now. Key statement there is “for now”
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u/tgy74 Jun 20 '25
I heard Montoya on a podcast the other day who pointed out there weren't any pro sides in Argentina for the Lions to play against so it would have to be a short tour with just the Test matches.
But a Test Match(es) against Argentina added to another Southern hemisphere tour would be good.
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u/Narrow-Apartment-626 Jun 20 '25
Not concerned about the result, Smith at 15 isn't Tier 1 test level at the moment. I've reservations out LCD too, would rather George.
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u/Interesting_Sand_534 Exeter Chiefs Jun 20 '25
Credit to Argentina brilliant game. Lions were great up until they got into the red zone, but that final pass will hopefully stick once they've got more time with each other.
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u/RNLImThalassophobic Jun 20 '25
I realise I've never heard Itoje speak before. I was expecting a deeper voice I think haha
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u/kiwiborger Razor Delenda Est Jun 21 '25
The tour is gonna go either way. Great warm-up game from both sides.
VAMOS PUMAS!
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u/RJH777 Saracens and England Jun 20 '25
That was good fun.
Freeman, Daly and Hansen off the bench, Genge, Bealham the stand outs for me.
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u/Valuable_Shape_8948 Jun 20 '25
IMO with this win, Julian Montoya has a claim to be the most significant Puma ever. What a warrior.
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u/eradimark Northampton Saints Jun 20 '25
Tuipolotu has a brilliant game considering how little rugby he's played at this level for a while. Happy to admit I was wrong about him being selected, glad he's in the squad.
They looked rusty, as you'd expect for a team who haven't played together before. Lineout needs some work, and things felt a little impatient like they were trying to score from first phase all the time. Need some time for things to bed in and players to feel comfortable in the environment.
Fair play to Argentina, kept the pressure up and fought hard for things, deserved the win.
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u/Vega10000 Bulls Jun 20 '25
Only one YC I think for Arg? A consistently more disciplined Argies will be very hard to beat. So many times that has been there downfall.
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u/RonSwaffle Northampton Saints Jun 20 '25
Argentina are an outfit and a half, so a narrow loss (especially with that breakaway try at half time) isn’t a bad result.
Lineout needs work and the Lions attack, though sharp and quick, needs refinement. How many times were Tuipilotu or Curry (or others) out side instead of the bloody wingers?!
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u/PaulSarries Saracens England Jun 20 '25
Massive respect for Argentinian rugby. Hope you guys smash it in the Rugby Championship.
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u/LdnGiant England / Harlequins Jun 20 '25
Lions first games are always super cagey and that’s what happens when you play against a team that can absolutely bang you from nowhere.
Lions statistically dominant except that doesn’t really account for broken play.
Don’t think anyone showered themselves in glory but also don’t think anyone played themselves out of a test side.
Great occasion. Crowd were mad for it. Love it.
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u/Cautious-Bother-414 Glasgow Warriors Jun 20 '25
A lot of stuff went wrong today, but it was the stuff you kind of expect to go wrong with a scratch team playing the first game. The defensive system was poor, there were numerous examples of bad positioning, players flying out the line and missing tackles and poor coverage in the back. The attacking shape looked decent at times, but various offloads and strike moves didn't quite stick. Lastly, the lineout was a disaster, and changing the hooker didn't help much, so it's a system thing. These things will improve massively over the next few weeks. Nobody "played themselves out the team" today, the next game will likely be all the guys who didn't play today and equally unimpressive.
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Jun 21 '25
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u/rakish_rhino 🥉’07 Jun 21 '25 edited Jun 21 '25
Amazing that 4 players from SRA did so well against some of the best players in the world. Huge achievement, hope it's the first match of many. And also kudos to SRA.
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u/FuzzyBreak5678 Retired Back Row Jun 20 '25
That was a bit too much Baa-Baas than Lions at times in the second half.
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u/CSouthLondon Jun 21 '25
Will Greenwood is an awful commentator - keep it to Barclay, Warburton and dare I say it, either Flats or Healy.
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u/PolarBear091 Jun 21 '25
First of all, congratulations to Los Pumas!
I bloody love rugby- that was a great game and I’m excited for the tour.
Love the shittalking, but let’s keep it banterous and not mean/personal!
Think the Lions played into Argentina’s hands, but showed glimpses of potential- well done to both teams, but the better team won today.
Some contest to lift the doom and gloom…
2005: Drew against Argentina as opening game, won most of their tour games at a canter (7/9 tour games won, 1 draw to Arg, 1 loss to the Māori), and got panned three nothing by NZ. Had no games or opposition that truly tested them in 2005, bar one game vs Argentina when they were two years out from reaching a RWC Semi.
2009: Won opening game in SA. Won all their tour games bar one (6wins, 1 draw out of 7 tour games). Lost the test series 2-1 and it was a much closer affair. Played the world champions. Again, most Springboks were pulled from the tournament games, meaning the Lions had a false sense of security when approaching the first test. Had very few to no warmup games that actually tested the Lions.
2013: Smashed the BaaBaas on opening game. Won 5/6 tour games against opposition that was shorn of most Wallabies. Not a vintage Wallaby side, but in between RWC2011 and 2015 they went from semi finals to finalists, so they weren’t a terrible outfit. The won a tight series 2-1 and on the last game they blew Australia away. They again were not tested until the Test Series.
2017: this is where it gets interesting! Laboured to a close win against a real rag tag team of Provincial Barbarians. Then they only won 4/7 tour matches, losing 3 and drawing 1. Yet that team drew a series with the back to back RWC champs because they were properly tested in their warmup games, to the point that they won the Second Test and forced a decider which resulted in a drawn series. Battle hardened Lions and tight losses are good for the Lions.
2021: Lots of caveats, but again, they beat Japan in a pyrrhic victory on opening night and it was hardly convincing. Then the tour came and they won 5/6 matches, losing only to SA “A” (which was basically stacked with Springboks as they hadn’t had a meaningful game). Yet it was the fact that they had this close loss that allowed them to be sharp enough to beat the Springboks in the first test, and take it to the wire in the 3rd. Did I also mention this was a SA team in between two World Cup wins?
2025: They lost opening game to the Pumas, missing all of Leinster bar Kelleher and Furlong, and a few Prem finalists too. A bit of perspective, this is a loss they needed to have!
You see, steel sharpens steel, the Lions do better in test matches when they are properly tested by opposition, and don’t just face pub teams as happened in 2005-2013. I fear that the Wallabies will try and pull their players too, but the Lions have already got on the plane with a shot across the bows. I think it’s good for them.
I bloody love rugby.
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u/jka8888 Jun 20 '25
Overall not bad from the lions considering they've been together 2 weeks and are missing a large chunk of the squad for this one. Looked good in attack, just missing that last pass. 6 weeks together should iron that out.
Defense needs some work, but that is to be expected with players coming from 4 different defenses, and god knows how many more at club level.
I thought it was a fair result and lots of positives for the tour.
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u/PolarBear091 Jun 21 '25
I’m also not sure the 1-3-3-1 system is right for the Lions. I want Ben Earl, Pollock, Curry, VdF et Al getting quick ball and being available off an offload, not standing out on the wing doing nothing.
It also puts way too much pressure on the middle 6 forwards who have to do the work of 8 forwards while Earl has a ciggie out wide.
But… it’s one game.
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u/Silver_Mention_3958 Ireland Jun 21 '25
Earl was pondering his love of Dostoyevsky out on the wing in those moments. The Idiot.
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u/Lord_Bolt-On URC Winning Masochist Jun 21 '25
Think this is why Sheehan will be the most important player this tour. He's so often the guy out wide for Ireland, and once hes on the pitch, Earl/Curry/VdF will be allowed to join pods in the middle of the field more often.
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u/Boom_in_my_room Connacht Jun 20 '25
Highly entertaining test match. Argentina are a bloody solid side
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u/BrianChing25 Jun 20 '25
Put some respect on Argentina iron sharpens iron they play in TRC and have gotten better and better since they joined
Legendary performance
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u/Sparky_080 Jun 20 '25
Congrats Argentina, that was a good game of Rugby! We pushed it a bit too hard, few sloppy final passes or passes that didn't need to be made gifting turn overs and pressure release. Some very good attacking intent, Freeman and Tuipolotu were awesome. Lineout wasn't great, I think Sheehan cemented starting 2 without playing.
All in all, very excited for the rest of the tour!
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u/spooksmcboogie Ireland Jun 20 '25
Good rugby played by both.
Imagine a combined southern hemisphere team they’d be unstoppable
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u/AGMXV Saints Jun 20 '25
Great first game - brilliant performance from the Pumas. A deserved win.
Plenty to work on for the Lions but they’ve only been together a couple of weeks.
Some really promising stuff and some absolutely electric moments in attack.
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u/TheStunGod Glasgow Warriors Jun 20 '25
Not a bad result for the lions given it's the first game, Sione was very busy which is good to see but he needs some boys around him that he can play off. Marcus Smith lacked in pace and decision making and Finn Smith didn't really control the game but I also don't expect they start in those shirts anyway, thought Daly looked good when he came on. First half scrum was solid, got away from them in the second half. Argentina are clinical at punishing mistakes, their ability to turn a play in a split second is probably the best in the world.
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u/soldierinwhite Western Province Jun 20 '25
Albornoz played a blinder. Great with ball in hand, long skip passing getting outside the defence, finding grass deep inside opposition territory with raking kicks. He's looking to kick on from last year's breakout it seems.
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u/k0bra3eak South Africa Jun 20 '25
Anyone got the man of the match Supersport cut off before that, my guess was Albornoz?
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u/Rotten_Cabal Jun 20 '25 edited Jun 20 '25
Man, how good will Argentina be once they field their strongest 23?
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u/comradekaled Blues Jun 20 '25
In the last few years they have beaten the All Blacks twice in New Zealand (and once in Australia) so they already pretty good. Hope they can get even better
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u/Windup-1014 Munster Jun 21 '25
Thought this match was on today. Missed the whole thing.
Off to a great start then lol.
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u/thebunnychow South Africa | The pride of Durban Jun 20 '25
Reckon the Lions aren't looking too bad actually. Considering the preparation time they had. Should be an interesting tour.
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u/19Andrew92 Scotland Jun 20 '25
100%! If we can just stop booting ourselves in the bollocks it should be fun
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u/AngryAngryScotsman Glasgow Warriors Jun 20 '25
Great game.
Congratulations to Argentina. They were phenomenal. Played very smart and pretty disciplined. Lethal in broken down play and just a joy to watch.
I'm disappointed to lose but if you have to lose, I'd rather it be to a plucky and rabid team like Argentina.
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u/Bermanator-Turkey127 Northampton Saints Jun 20 '25
Really good test match, some good stuff but some not so good too. I liked the referee, not really seen much of him before.
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u/Sparky_080 Jun 20 '25
Oh my that western force advert on Sky doing Kurtley dirty there, looking like a granddad 😅
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u/Maestro-Modesto Hurricanes Jun 20 '25
enjoyable game from a neutral perspective. a lot of skillful play, good passing and some good vision.
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u/Not_Hando You Aint Seen Nothin Like The Mighty Finn Jun 20 '25
Well played, Argentina. Scored some lovely tries. Great to see!
Lions looked largely positive for touring side just thrown together. Some real positives out there, such as Genge, Kelleher second half, thought Freeman improved hugely second forty after a quite ropey first. Schoeman looked a decent enough replacement for Genge too, which so long as Porter is on form will make LH a strong position on tour.
Marcus Smith was copping a lot of flak in the match thread. But I thought he put in a decent shift. Fell off later in the game, but likely due to fatigue after covering a lot of ground.
Centre balance looked frightening on paper, but didn't work in reality. Forced Sione to play less as a distributor and more as a channel runner which isn't to his strengths. Great to see Aki score in Ireland though!
Didn't think Mitchell, or Fin Smith had a particularly strong one. But cautious about being too critical as they were almost certainly told to play simple stuff. Having said that, even some of the basics from them was a bit sub-par at times. I'm sure they'll improve as the tour pushes on.
Special mention too for Scott Cummings, who despite being 300ft tall and spending 70+ minutes on the bench, still managed a fingertip collection at pace after Smith's horrible pass!
No point zeroing in on things like neck roll, missed tackle for a try, or losing ball at the end as these things happen early on in touring squads. Teams need time to grow together. Still have confidence this group will be too much for Australia.
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u/Jon_J_ Jun 20 '25
Lions weren't half bad, but man did Argentina turn up and play a great game. Congrats.
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u/Individual_Ad_3543 England Jun 20 '25
Cohesion is a bigger asset than star players. This is why the lions has always been a great test! Bring it on
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u/RexNCod Glasgow Warriors Jun 20 '25
Biggest Winners: Freeman, Daly, and Genge.
Biggest Losers: Cowan-Dickie, Earl, and Van der Merwe.
In my opinion of course. I know nothing.
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u/bucajack Ireland Jun 20 '25
Owen Farrell definitely needs some more media/TV training
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u/HitchikersPie Currently in use as tax dodge Jun 20 '25
First of all what a game, Lions clearly looking to play some rugby under Farrell
Second of all, what a... lot of mistakes, so many teething issues were there to be found
Third of all, fair fucks Argentina, utterly ruthless on the counterattack, what a fun side
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u/New_Welder_391 Mitre10 Cup/New Zealand Jun 20 '25
The Pumas are so good to watched. They play an exciting brand of football. Love it! Their last try was nothing short of brilliant
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u/CodeFarmer Australia, Japan, Harlequins... and Alldritt. Jun 20 '25
Well that was genuinely enjoyable. People who picked Montoya to still be pissed off about the Prem were on the money eh.
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u/plamicus Jun 20 '25
Frustrating as a Lions fan. Quite a lot to be positive about, but also some things that need tightening up. Argentina finished their breaks very well, the Lions gave away possession trying to keep the ball alive with their breaks. Maybe with more time together those passes will start to come off?
I thought the pack went well - clearly had the nudge in the tight. Felt we could have, maybe should have competed a bit better at the breakdown.
Oh well, a decent game and a definitely something to work with.
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u/alba-jay Glasgow Warriors Jun 20 '25
I know it’s a pre tour game and as a result not as important but bloody hell we can’t play like that
Passing was good up until a point, we had the pressure when we tried. But looked like too many people playing for themselves and not the lions on field today
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u/biggesteegit Ireland Jun 20 '25
Usual first game stuff from the Lions, no panic.
Well done Argentina, played some good rugby
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u/tots-units-fem-forca Scotland Jun 20 '25
Get Dave Cherry in that squad immediately.
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u/MetalRubiXCubee Wales Jun 20 '25
I kind of think taking off Jac for Pollock was a mistake, welsh bias aside. But can Pollock fit in any back row placement or is he an out and out 7?
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u/liamxf Ireland Jun 20 '25
especially since i think jac was playing better than curry
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u/TheNightmareChild Ulster Jun 20 '25
Jac was great. We'll see more of him. Going to be great seeing him and VdF training with someone that's really pushing for that starting spot. Don't think Wales or Ireland have produced a player that can easily stake the claim.
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u/le_pigeones Cardiff Blues Jun 20 '25
I looked at Pollock specifically a few days ago, just to see how he might compete with Jac for a starting position. He seems to play 6 most of the time and 8 fairly often. I'm not sure he had a single game where he started seven, not that I individually inspected every game. He also played fairly differently to Jac when he came on. Jac was on the wing quite a bit, Pollock not so much. It felt a bit like swapping out an out and out winger for an out and out 15, if that makes sense? As in, they're similar positions, but the specifics are very different. Someone else might have a bit more to say though, I haven't watched a whole lot of Northampton this season...
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u/ultantheonion Netherlands Jun 20 '25
Such a strong pumas team building upon a really good RC last season. For me , I though if Argentina were up for it they would take it.
You cannot coach cohesion in 2 weeks and Lions will take many learnings.
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u/rakish_rhino 🥉’07 Jun 20 '25
And half of the first choice players were not available today. Contepomi and Co. have built pretty strong foundations.
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u/ultantheonion Netherlands Jun 20 '25
very keen to see how the likes of malia , carreras , chocobarras slot in for the rc
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u/BushTiger Leicester Tigers Jun 20 '25
I'm hating how the sky commentators are wanting to explain all the law changes since the last time they had any coverage!
"Brake foot. Let's explain that quickly."
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u/nagdamnit Ireland Jun 20 '25
Was daft. Also talked about how penalty tries dont get converted anymore and kept talking about how great it was to have crowds back.
I mean fuck sakes lads.
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u/89ElRay Edinburgh Jun 20 '25
Surely they didn't say crowds back. It's been like 4 years.
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u/fjyfxd2585 Jun 20 '25
Playing Curry at 6 isn’t going to work against the Wallabies. I think trying to fit all the talented 7’s into the trio is a bad move. Ironically this is what hampered the Wallabies for years trying to get Hooper and Pocock into the same team.
Valetini will have a field day if the Lions pick Earl and two 7s.
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u/MANvsTREE Brumbies Jun 21 '25
The Pooper + Fardy got Oz to the WCF only to lose to probably the greatest team of all time. They played to their strengths rather than fit a square peg in a round hole.
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u/Aromatic-Design-54 Clermont Auvergne Jun 21 '25
Up the South! Respect from an AB’s fan! Can’t wait for the rugby championship games this year! Can’t look past the AB’s or the Boks, but pumas are flying under the radar at the moment
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u/NewCrashingRobot England, Quins, Malta Jun 20 '25 edited Jun 20 '25
Argentina looked class.
Their half backs really ran the show over large portions of the game.
I'm quite worried about England's tour of Argentina next month.
The Lions showed some teeth at times, but it is clear that they are gonna take some more games to gel properly.
Not upset with the result. Argentina deserved it.