British and Irish Lions vs Argentina: Three Takeaways from Opening Match

The British and Irish Lions lost 28-24 to Argentina in their opening match in Dublin. Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan impressed while communication and lineout issues were evident. Andy Farrell has much to fix before their upcoming match against the Western Force in Perth.

The British and Irish Lions suffered a disappointing start to their 2023 campaign, losing 28-24 to Argentina in Dublin on Friday. Head coach Andy Farrell is expected to focus on ironing out the team’s issues in preparation for their upcoming match against the Western Force in Perth next Saturday. This match highlighted several takeaways for the Lions as they gear up for their tour.

First and foremost, Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan made strong impressions on Farrell. Freeman was particularly dangerous with the ball, showcasing his talents after a promising Six Nations and club season with Northampton. He displayed composure, balancing aggression with calculated decision-making. Meanwhile, Morgan stood out as one of only two Welsh players in the squad, proving a dominant presence on the field. He tackled hard and carried effectively, making his mark in the competitive back row.

Despite glimpses of brilliance, communication issues hampered the Lions’ performance. When they found their rhythm, players like Freeman and Duhan van der Merwe appeared dangerous, but sustained pressure was hard to achieve. Mistaken offloads, unsteady ball handling, or unnecessary passes halted their momentum. Farrell will undoubtedly stress the importance of earning the right to attack, emphasizing that while they have talent, effective communication will be crucial for their cohesion as a new group.

The lineout presented another area of concern that urgently needs attention. Both hookers, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ronan Kelleher, struggled with their throwing, leading to several lost possessions. As experienced players, there is strong expectation that they can rectify these mistakes quickly. Joe Schmidt, with his knowledge of the Lions, particularly the Irish players, will be keen to exploit any vulnerabilities. The lineout must improve rapidly, especially ahead of their next game against the Western Force.

In summary, the opening match for the British and Irish Lions served as a mixed bag. There were flashes of potential, especially from certain players, but critical areas like communication and lineout execution need immediate attention. As the team prepares to face the Wallabies, these lessons will be vital for how they approach and adapt in future matches.

In conclusion, the British and Irish Lions have several key takeaways to digest from their narrow loss to Argentina. Players like Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan have shown potential, but communication and execution issues must be addressed swiftly. The lineout performance also needs significant improvement ahead of their critical match against the Western Force. Farrell’s challenge now is to harness these lessons for their future success on the field.

Original Source: www.espn.co.uk