"Record breaking win" - Reviewing the British & Irish Lions' incredible form against Western Force

The Lions have one recorded meeting against a professional Western Force outfit, as the Super Rugby side only came to fruition in 2006. Prior to the clash upon the 2013 expedition of Oz, the Lions had three previous run-ins with Western Australia sides, which we will include upon our historical review in this article.

The scoreboard from previous Lions visits to the WA territory, tells of a one‑way story: dominant displays and significant scorelines. From 1966's inaugural venture to Western Australia, to the professional era visit to take on the Force, each match in the region has been a showcase of Lions supremacy.

However, this weekend’s encounter on the 2025 Summer Tour may just break that mold. With the Force now a mature Super Rugby side loaded with national talent, this match is by no means the expected walkover it once was. With the Wallabies now contractually obligated to release their top Test match stars back to their clubs to encourage a competitive fixture, the Force our out to upset the tourists for the first time in their history.

May 7th 1966, Perry Lakes Stadium, Perth

The British & Irish Lions first went to Perth in 1966, and delivered a commanding 60-3 victory over Western Australia, in a match that remains a highlight from what many consider the golden era of Lions rugby. This period was defined by the presence of legendary figures such as the iconic lock Willie John McBride, mesmeric fly half David Watkins and flying wing Dewi Bebb, whose influence both on and off the field helped shape the Lions into one of the most formidable touring sides in history.

McBride’s relentless work at the breakdown and leadership in the pack combined with his captain Watkins' creativity and precision in the back-line made the Lions almost unstoppable. The team’s dominance was clear as they ran in numerous tries, overwhelming a Western Australia side that could only muster a single penalty in response.

Sadly, the finer details of this match have been lost to history, as the record books did not survive the return trip. The names of the try scorers and other key contributors have not been definitively found, nevertheless, the game epitomized the strength and skill that characterized the Lions during the mid-1960s, showcasing their ability to control both territory and possession with clinical efficiency.

While the scoreline highlighted the vast gulf in experience and professionalism, the game was crucial for the Lions to build momentum and cohesion ahead of the tougher Test matches to come across Australia and New Zealand. This overwhelming victory reinforced the Lions’ reputation during this golden era, setting the tone for a tour that would be remembered for its physicality, flair, and historic significance in rugby union folklore.

The British & Irish Lions continued their tradition of dominance over Western Australia with a comprehensive 44-0 victory in 1989, during their tour of Australia. This match, much like others against regional sides, served as a vital opportunity for the Lions to fine-tune combinations and build cohesion ahead of the more challenging Test matches. However, the asterisk remained that the Lions were not met with any real competition, which hindered their preparations for the Test against the Wallabies.

The 1989 Lions squad featured a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, with players like Gavin Hastings, Will Carling and Jeremy Guscott making significant impacts throughout the tour. Their clinical approach ensured Western Australia was kept scoreless, overwhelmed by the Lions’ disciplined defense and incisive attacking play.

Unfortunately, detailed records from this match, including the names of the try scorers and other individual statistics, have also been lost or remain difficult to verify due to incomplete archival material from the era. Despite the absence of specific scoring details, the result reflects the Lions’ sustained superiority during their tours and their ability to impose themselves on regional opposition.

This clean sheet and convincing margin exemplified the Lions’ preparedness and depth, further cementing their status as one of rugby’s most formidable touring sides.

The British & Irish Lions kicked off their 2001 Australia tour in emphatic fashion, pulverizing Western Australia 116–10 at Perth’s WACA Ground. The Lions stormed the field with relentless energy, crossing the try line 18 times and smashing several team records along the way. The match has long been regarded as a perfect example of the potential miss-matches of a Lions tour, as Western Australia fielded an entirely amateur side against the fit and firing professional Lions outfit.

Scott Quinnell set the pace early, bulldozing over for a try within three minutes and eventually completing a hat-trick. Dan Luger was equally prolific with three tries, while Rob Howley and Neil Back each made significant try-scoring contributions. Iain Balshaw made an impact off the bench with two tries, and the likes of Will Greenwood, Danny Grewcock, Mark Taylor, Simon Taylor, Austin Healey, and Brian O’Driscoll added their names to the score-sheet to round off an utter rout.

Fly-half Ronan O’Gara announced himself in style on his Lions debut by converting 13 tries, amassing a remarkable 26 points and setting new records for both himself and the team. Western Australia managed to find the try line twice in the second half through Brent Becroft and scrum-half Robbie Barugh, but it was little more than a footnote in an otherwise one-sided encounter.

Though often described as a “contact training session,” this dominant victory delivered an early statement of intent from the Lions, providing momentum and confidence before the much sterner Test matches that lay ahead.

TRIES: 18 (Scott Quinnell (3), Dan Luger (3), Rob Howley (2), Neil Back (2), Iain Balshaw (2), Will Greenwood, Danny Grewcock, Mark Taylor, Simon Taylor, Austin Healey, Brian O’Driscoll)

CONVERSIONS: 13 (O’Gara)

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TRIES: 2 Brent Becroft, Robbie Barugh

Now we arrive at the latest meeting between the Lions and Western Force, which took place some 12 years ago with the professional era in full swing. The British & Irish Lions delivered an exhilarating and commanding performance at Patersons Stadium, which overpowered the Western Force 69–17.

From the outset, the Lions dominated proceedings with precision ball-handling and relentless forward pressure, crossing the try line nine times. Johnny Sexton set the tone early, crashing over in the 11th minute after a slick, well-worked forward drive that ignited the team’s momentum.

His fellow Ireland stalwart, Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll was a standout figure in the opening round onslaught. O'Driscoll demonstrated his trademark vision and skill with two crucial tries, one just before halftime and another after the break. The try count was further bolstered by powerful efforts from an array of Lions legends from the 2010s, as Tom Croft, Jamie Heaslip, Mako Vunipola, Tommy Bowe, Owen Farrell, and Geoff Parling, each contributed to the Lions’ relentless assault.

Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny was nothing short of flawless from the boot, for a personal tally of 24 points. The Welshman expertly controlled the scoreboard and electrified the passionate crowd clad in red. Despite the one-sided nature of the match, Western Force showed resilience with tries from Richard Brown and Lachlan McCaffrey, both converted by Brett Sheehan, who also added a penalty to his name.

The Lions did suffer a setback with the loss of Ireland prop Cian Healy to an ankle injury in the first half, but their overall clinical execution and attacking fluency sent a powerful message to their upcoming Test opponents, setting a confident tone for the challenges ahead in the series.

TRIES: 9 (Jonathan Sexton, Brian O’Driscoll (2), Tom Croft, Jamie Heaslip, Mako Vunipola, Tommy Bowe, Owen Farrell, Geoff Parling)

CONVERSIONS: 11 (Leigh Halfpenny)

PENALTIES: 2 (Leigh Halfpenny)

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TRIES: 2 (Richard Brown, Lachlan McCaffrey)

CONVERSIONS: 2 (Brett Sheehan)

PENALTIES: 1 (Brett Sheehan)'