Fin Smith picked a fight with the wrong player and got brutally floored
Rugby NewsWednesday, 23 July 2025 at 15:40
Fly-half Fin Smith found himself airborne after getting manhandled by a former Northampton Saints teammate in a brutal collision during the British & Irish Lions’ latest outing.
The Lions edged past a fierce First Nations and Pasifika side, extending their unbeaten tour Down Under, but not without a few fireworks along the way.
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One such moment saw Darcy Graham take a nasty shot up high, with cameras quickly panning to Owen Farrell’s fiery response.
But while that grabbed the headlines, many missed the sight of Smith being
launched across the turf.
Fans couldn’t help but react:
"Yep picked the wrong to play shirtsies with"
"Tossed him like he was nothing,"
"Like getting rid of the washing,"
"I can't stop watching this!!! Poetry in motion!!!"
A real mismatch — and Smith found out the hard way.
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PLAYERS HEADING HOME:
With the second and third Tests looming, Farrell has made it clear that players not in the selection frame will be heading for the departure lounge.
Farrell said: “You have to assess how long it will take you to get someone over. But to get to this late stage and call for guys from the other end of the world and to get them here to cover or to be part of the matchday takes time.”
While he’s open to further reinforcements if injuries hit, particularly in specialist roles, the plan for now is to streamline the group.
1. Fin Smith – The Flare with a Flaw
Showed flashes of class with ball in hand. His bullet pass set up Graham’s try, and a subtle offload paved the way for van der Merwe’s. Also worked hard defensively, making 15 tackles — joint most among Lions.
But a few missed conversions and errors at key moments dented his impact. With Russell and Farrell firmly ahead of him, Smith could easily be heading home as the squad tightens.
2. Tom Clarkson – The Quiet Enforcer
Did the gritty stuff well. The Irish prop held the scrum steady and drove hard into contact a few times. Nothing flashy, but the kind of shift coaches love.
3. Ewan Ashman – The Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-Him Hooker
Limited minutes and few chances to shine. Didn't put a foot wrong, but didn’t do enough to push for a Test spot either.
4. Jamie Osborne – Late Call-Up, Early Plane?
Turned heads with two tries and constantly threatened with ball in hand. Showed bravery under the high ball and looked sharp throughout.
Despite the breakout performance, he’s expected to head home — but will return with his stock much higher.
5. Gregor Brown – Cousin Cameo
The cousin of Blair Kinghorn made a tidy appearance off the bench. Solid in defence, no glaring errors, but didn’t do quite enough to justify holding a spot as the tour narrows.
6. Rory Sutherland – Scrum-Only Sighting
Another late-game cameo. Anchored the set-piece well but made no real dent elsewhere. May not get another shot.
7. Darcy Graham – Heartbreaker on the Wing
The Scottish flyer, called in just last week, made an immediate impact with a slick finish for the Lions' second try. But just 17 minutes in, he left the pitch with a foot injury.
Now in a protective boot and awaiting scans, his tour is almost certainly over.
Now in a protective boot and awaiting scans, his tour is almost certainly over.
"He's devastated,” said Andy Farrell. “To become a Lion and score — he should still be proud.”
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