Scratch Side Still Building Connections

Despite the Lions' 28-24 loss to Argentina, the focus remains on building team cohesion. Head coach Andy Farrell emphasized the need for sharper execution, especially in handling offloads and passes. 'We compounded too many errors,' Farrell noted, highlighting the challenge of quickly gelling a new team.

Scrum Dominant but Line-Out Falters

The Lions showed strength in the scrum, with props Ellis Genge and Finlay Bealham making early cases for key roles. However, the line-out struggled, with four turnovers from 18 throws. Captain Maro Itoje remains optimistic, stating, 'We'll review, learn, and get better.'

Loss of Aerial Battle Will Catch Schmidt's Eye

Argentina's dominance in the air was a significant factor. Farrell expressed frustration with the Lions' inability to win loose balls, a weakness Australia's Joe Schmidt is likely to exploit in the upcoming Test series.

Fresh Faces Can Provide Boost in Australia

With several players yet to join the tour, Farrell has the opportunity to freshen the lineup. Players like James Lowe and Hugo Keenan are expected to improve the Lions' performance under the high ball, while Finn Russell's debut will be closely watched.

'Sea of Red' on Show in Dublin

The match in Dublin, attended by 51,700 fans, was a sell-out. The overwhelming support from the 'Sea of Red' was a stark contrast to the empty stadiums of the 2021 South Africa tour, underscoring the importance of fan support in the upcoming Australian tour.