Owen Farrell scrap. The Lions captain was quick to make his presence felt in the Lions’ fiery clash against the First Nations & Pasifika XV.
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The former England skipper led from the front in a heated first-half moment after a reckless hit on Darcy Graham.
Christian Riley launched into a high shot on the Scottish winger, his shoulder making direct contact with Graham’s head. The new call-up was sent crashing into touch, sparking an immediate reaction.
Tempers flared as pushing and shoving broke out. Farrell was one of the first players on the scene, getting straight in Riley’s face to defend his teammate.
The First Nations & Pasifika winger was rightly shown a yellow card, with the incident reviewed and confirmed by the off-field officials.
OWEN FARRELL SCRAP:
Fans were quick to praise Farrell for standing up for his teammate:
One fan wrote:
"Say what you like about Owen Farrell, he looks after his own."
Another said: "Love Farrell – tough, resilient, test legend, getting busy and mixing it up already. Tourist hero."
A third added: "Game is so back, Farrell scrap 4 mins in."
Another commented: "Owen Farrell protecting wee Darcy after a deliberate shoulder to the face… do I like Owen Farrell now…"
One more said: "And that is why Farrell is captain… Straight in there not happy with that tackle… Now his team will run through walls for him."
Farrell’s leadership was clear from the first whistle — and if this fiery moment is anything to go by, he’s ready to lead the Lions with trademark passion and grit.
EDITORS PICKS:
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- Jac Morgan and Owen Farrell come into the Lions XV: Big changes confirmed
- British & Irish Lions are a close to playing France in first match of its kind
- England Player Ratings vs USA: Ford 9, Coles 5
- Lions player ratings vs Australia: First Test
“Too weak” – Three Changes Andy Farrell Must Make for Lions’ Second Test vs Australia
#1. Hugo Keenan – Fullback
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 5/10 across all outlets
- Errors: Two turnovers, poor under the high ball, responsible for Max Jorgensen’s try
- Positives: Grew into the game slightly, some flashes of attacking promise
Critique:
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Keenan struggled under pressure, especially in the aerial game — a non-negotiable at Test level. His missed contest under the high ball directly led to Australia’s first try, and he looked shaky throughout when tested defensively.
Replacement: Blair Kinghorn
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
If fit, Kinghorn offers more size, versatility, and attacking spark. His high ball security and counter-attacking ability could offer greater threat and reliability.
Final Verdict:
Keenan should be dropped for lack of command at the back and vulnerability under pressure, which cost the Lions territory and points. Kinghorn’s more robust and dynamic style is a better fit against high-kicking sides like Australia.
#2. Tommy Freeman – Wing
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 4–5/10
- Errors: Kicks out on the full (twice), 4 turnovers, poor offloading
- Positives: Early physical carry, effort in defense
Critique:
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.
Freeman’s athleticism and effort aren’t in doubt, but his execution was off. Repeated unforced kicking errors, soft knock-ons, and poor decision-making stunted momentum and gave Australia easy outs. Despite work rate, he looked out of sync with teammates.
Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.
Duhan offers physical dominance, line-breaking ability, and finishing power. He can punish defensive lapses and relieve pressure with carries.
Final Verdict:
Freeman should be dropped because his decision-making under pressure and basic handling let the team down. Van der Merwe is a more imposing and reliable threat in both attack and defense.
#3. James Lowe – Wing
Performance Summary:
- Rating Consensus: 3–5/10 (lowest average rating of the three)
- Errors: Kicked dead, dropped ball near try-line, overcooked kicks, turnover near tryline
- Positives: One promising fend and inside ball (disallowed try)
Critique:
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.
Lowe had a nightmare game. Multiple poor decisions — particularly with ball in hand and tactical kicking — led to lost points and momentum. His lack of pace was exposed, and he repeatedly gave away field position.
Replacement: Mack Hansen
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.
Hansen is creative, composed, and has strong game awareness. He brings spark, great handling, and reliable kicking from the backfield, making him an all-round upgrade.
Final Verdict:
Lowe must be dropped — his decision-making, handling, and lack of pace are liabilities. Mack Hansen brings more polish and unpredictability that could unlock Australia’s defence. Watch this space.
Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches
Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!
Good luck!
