The British and Irish Lions lost their first match of the year, 28-24 to Argentina in Dublin. Key performances by Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan were noted, but issues with communication and lineouts emerged as major points of concern. Coach Andy Farrell must address these elements quickly before facing the Western Force in Australia next week.
In a tightly contested opening match of the year, the British and Irish Lions suffered a narrow defeat against Argentina, finishing at 28-24 in Dublin on Friday. Despite the loss, Coach Andy Farrell has some critical points to address ahead of their upcoming match against the Western Force in Perth next week. Here are three key takeaways from the Lions’ first encounter of the season.
First up, Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan emerged as standouts. The game provided an opportunity for players to impress, and both Freeman and Morgan certainly did. Freeman, who has been in good form with England and Northampton, played with confidence and creativity. He did not overplay his hand, maintaining composure and exhibiting great skill. Morgan, one of only two Welsh players in the squad, was a tireless worker. He tackled vigorously and consistently posed challenges for the Argentine defense, indicating he can handle the pressure in a highly competitive position.
Next, communication seemed to be a stumbling block for the Lions. While there were moments of brilliance, where players like Freeman, Duhan van der Merwe, and Sione Tuipulotu shone, the overall performance lacked consistency. The squad could not maintain momentum, leading to missed opportunities. Errors like ambitious offloads and unnecessary passing stifled their chances, highlighting a need to enhance their phase play and pressure on the opposition. Farrell noted that this is a new group, and finding cohesion will take some time and effective communication.
Lastly, the lineout performance left much to be desired. With both hookers, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ronan Kelleher, struggling with multiple inaccurate throws, this area has become a significant concern. Both are seasoned players, but now it’s crucial for them to fix these mistakes before facing the Wallabies. Joe Schmidt’s familiarity with the squad, especially his knowledge of the Irish players, means he might exploit any weaknesses here. It is vital for the Lions to swiftly rectify their lineout issues ahead of their next match against the Western Force.
In summary, the Lions face a steep learning curve following their loss to Argentina. While there were bright spots in individual performances, consistency will be key moving forward. Effective communication and solidifying their lineout execution are immediate priorities. With a quick turnaround to their next game, Farrell’s side must work diligently to improve before heading to Australia. The need for cohesive strategy and sharp execution is clearly apparent as they prepare for their upcoming tour.
In conclusion, the British and Irish Lions’ opening match against Argentina revealed several areas needing improvement as they look ahead to their tour in Australia. Standout performances by Tommy Freeman and Jac Morgan provide hope, yet communication and lineout execution must be prioritized. With the right focus and work, the Lions can harness their potential and build a stronger unit ahead of facing the Western Force next week.
Original Source: www.espn.co.uk
