Former England star made his Test debut for Samoa this past weekend

Whilst Steve Borthwick was handing six uncapped hopefuls their senior Test debut this past Saturday in Washington D.C, an ex-England player was making his debut for a new nation on the other side of the world. Having completed his three-year wait to represent a new country, Jacob Umaga ran out for Samoa in their Summer Test match against Scotland.

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The former Wasps man marked his first cap for the Pacific Islanders against England's oldest rivals, as Umaga ran out against Scotland, to mark the final leg of Scotland's Summer tour of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Umaga followed in the footsteps of his legendary All Blacks uncle Tana, as he tore it up at the iconic Eden Park stadium, in what is Auckland's spiritual home of New Zealand rugby.

Umaga's journey to representing his Pacific Island heritage started after his one-and-done appearance in an England jersey. Coincidentally, Umaga marked his sole England cap against the United States, as towards the tail end of the Eddie Jones era, the young fly half was flung into the fray in the 43-29 victory at Twickenham, back in the Summer of 2022.

However, just a few short months later, Wasps collapsed out of the Premiership with Umaga left without a club in England. However, the halfback was promptly swept up out of the uncharted waters of free agency by Benetton Trevison, where Umaga has since remained as a mainstay for the Italian side. An arduous wait for international eligibility then commenced, with the 36-month stand-down period elapsing in time for Samoa's international clash with Scotland.

Whilst it was a memorable occassion for Umaga and his Samoan heritage, it was a difficult outing for the Pacific Islanders upon New Zealand's North Island. Scotland ran out comfortable winners 41-12, however Samoa's newest son was able to score his first points for the nation. Umaga calmly slotted a conversion following Duncan Pia'aua's second half try, to mark a new era for his international career.

Here are the Lions who proved everyone wrong—and then some.

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Before the first Test, plenty were questioning Andy Farrell’s loyalty to Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne. Both had struggled to impress during the warm-up games, and many thought their best days were behind them.

Farrell stuck to his guns. And it paid off.

Curry was a force of nature—getting on the scoresheet early and showing off his full skillset in Sheehan’s try, where he started the move and finished it with the final pass. Add in some huge defensive shots and dominant breakdown work, and he looked every bit the world-class openside.

Beirne matched him blow for blow. Over 20 tackles, relentless aggression, and breakdown pressure that disrupted everything in gold. His engine just doesn’t stop.

Two men under pressure. Two colossal performances. Farrell’s faith was rewarded in full.

Curry silenced doubters with a standout display, highlighted by a slick line-out grab and assist for Dan Sheehan’s try early in the second half. He racked up 8 carries, 11 tackles, and a try himself, despite clearly favouring an injured arm.

But when it came time to bask in the praise, Curry wasn’t interested.

“I don’t know what world-class is. It’s such a cliche thing, isn’t it? The thing is to win, and I don’t really care what label you put on it. I gave everything, and that’s all I ask for from myself,” he told reporters — and that was about it.

The usually media-friendly flanker cut a short, no-nonsense figure. Job done. No chit-chat needed.

"Too risky", "not mature enough", "more style than substance"—Marcus Smith heard it all in the build-up.

But once the Tests began, he shut it all down.

The Quins fly-half showed maturity beyond his years, managing the game smartly, picking his kicks brilliantly, and still finding space for flashes of brilliance. His decision-making has improved massively, and he looked right at home at this level.

This tour might be the turning point in Smith’s career—from talented prospect to genuine Lions mainstay.

Owen Farrell’s inclusion sparked predictable backlash. Critics claimed he was only there because of his surname. Some questioned if he even deserved a squad place.

But as always, Farrell just got on with business.

He’s been a model pro throughout camp—mentoring the younger players, setting standards, and quietly pulling strings behind the scenes. Ahead of the first Test, Finn Russell admitted he was struggling with his kicking until Farrell offered a few calm words. Result? Russell didn’t miss a single kick.

Farrell’s rugby brain was also on full display when he immediately spotted Huw Jones’ disallowed try as a no-go—while the rest of the team were still celebrating.

Now leading the midweek team, he’s proving once again why he’s one of the most respected leaders in the game. Still got it. Still setting the tone.