Lions Fans Call for Same Call-Up After Argentina Defeat - Farrell Says No

Monday, 23 June 2025 at 07:19

byRugby Rucker

For the first time since 1971, the British & Irish Lions have opened a tour with a defeat – and it came at the hands of a fired-up Argentina side who were every bit as sharp as the scoreboard suggested.

Andy Farrell’s men were edged out 28-24 in a bruising clash under the Friday night lights, and while the head coach was quick to credit the Pumas post-match, his focus has already shifted to salvaging the tour before it properly begins on Australian soil against the Western Force on 28 June.

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Faletau omission slammed by fans

Among the talking points? The glaring absence of a specialist number 8 – and fans aren't holding back.

Taulupe Faletau, a Lions legend and four-time tourist-in-waiting, was only named on the standby list. But after one match, plenty are questioning that decision.

“After just one game I'm convinced it was a mistake not to have selected Taulupe Faletau for this tour,” one fan posted.

Another added: “They didn’t half miss Faletau.”

Others pointed to a wider issue in the squad’s balance:

“Lack of specialist number 8s is a problem. Playing with three flankers doesn’t work. Tom Willis or Taulupe Faletau should be there. Both are better than Conan, who’s the only out-and-out 8 in the squad.”

Some fans even went a step further, calling for changes already:

“Can we swap Pollock for Taulupe Faletau? Pleading with Andy Farrell here…”

Despite the growing chorus demanding Faletau’s inclusion, Farrell has insisted there will be no new call-ups ahead of the next game. The head coach remains confident in his current squad but faces increasing pressure to rethink his strategy as the Lions prepare to face Australia.

With pressure mounting and the Aussies lying in wait, Farrell might be forced to reconsider his squad makeup – and if Faletau gets the call, a fourth Lions tour would be nothing short of legendary for one of the best No.8s to ever do it.

10 Changes Farrell Must Make against Western Force

1. Dan Sheehan in for Luke Cowan-Dickie
Cowan-Dickie brought energy but faltered at the lineout. Sheehan’s throwing is sharper, and he adds mobility and form from Leinster.

2. Will Stuart in for Finlay Bealham
Bealham was solid, but Stuart offers more raw power and set-piece dominance — key against the Force pack.

3. Ollie Chessum in for Tadhg Beirne
Beirne impressed with his running lines, but Chessum brings more physicality and aerial prowess — crucial for disrupting the Force’s lineout.

4. Josh van der Flier in for Tom Curry
Despite Curry's work-rate, Van der Flier’s breakdown work and consistency make him a better fit as Farrell looks to steady the back row.

5. Jack Conan in for Ben Earl
Earl was one of the better performers, but Conan’s control at No.8 and ability to carry in tight channels earns him the nod.

6. Jamison Gibson-Park in for Alex Mitchell
Mitchell looked rushed and ineffective after halftime. Gibson-Park’s speed and composure offer a much-needed upgrade at scrum-half.

7. Finn Russell in for Fin Smith
Fin Smith struggled to impose himself. Enter Russell — the magician Farrell needs to inject some vision, control, and attacking flair.

8. Huw Jones in for Bundee Aki
Aki’s power was evident but faded. Jones brings better distribution and defensive organisation at outside centre, linking nicely with Tuipulotu.

9. James Lowe in for Duhan van der Merwe
Van der Merwe had a patchy outing, and Lowe’s left boot and creativity could unlock the Force’s defence from deep.

10. Hugo Keenan in for Marcus Smith
Smith’s shaky positioning and lack of control under the high ball cost the Lions. Keenan is calm, composed and positionally solid — exactly what the back three needs.

Farrell's Updated XV to Face Western Force

15. Hugo Keenan
14. James Lowe
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Tommy Freeman
10. Finn Russell
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
8. Jack Conan
7. Jac Morgan
6. Josh van der Flier
5. Ollie Chessum
4. Maro Itoje
3. Will Stuart
2. Dan Sheehan
1. Ellis Genge