Lions Tour: Tourists make selection statement in Adelaide

Lions look back

The British & Irish Lions suddenly look likely to justify their status as 1-3 shots for their upcoming Test series against Australia after outclassing an Invitational AU & NZ side 48-0 in Adelaide.

Jac Morgan set the tone on Saturday by forcing a knock-on in the first minute and from that moment on the Lions roared.

Duhan van der Merwe ran in a hat-trick to take his try tally to a tour-high four and the wing is 6-1 to be the top tryscorer in the Test series.

His treble was one of eight tries scored against the Invitational AU & NZ team, who played with skill and passion but lacked cohesion and penetration after just three training sessions together.

By contrast, the Lions finally fused accuracy and efficiency at the breakdown, setting the platform for scrum-half Ben White, who scored his team's second try, to supply his backs with quick ball.

Scotland colleagues Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings also crossed, as did Ronan Kelleher and Henry Pollock.

Kelleher's impact off the bench could prove timely after Luke Cowan-Dickie was carried off in the first half. 

Andy Farrell confirmed the England hooker had suffered a concussion and is unlikely to feature in next week's opening Test.

The head coach also revealed what he described as "sad news" regarding Garry Ringrose. The centre suffered a head knock in Wednesday's 36-24 win over the Brumbies and has been displaying lingering signs of concussion, making him a doubt as well.

After weeks on the road, the tourists next decamp to Brisbane to prepare for the opening Test against Australia.

Was this the game in which the Lions truly arrived down under?

The improved performance was reflected in the increased optimism of the post-match interviews and Farrell and his staff now have plenty to ponder ahead of their first game with the Wallabies, which they remain a general 1-3 to win.

Talking points against the Invitational AU & NZ

Jac Morgan's first minute tackle set the tone for the Lions' performance in AdelaideCredit: Getty Images

Andy Farrell got exactly what he wanted. Those players who began Wednesday's win over the Brumbies were seen as the favourites to start the first Test, but that performance produced as many questions as answers and the Lions' superb showing in Adelaide on Saturday has only added further depth to the selection discussion.

Morgan set the tone by forcing a knock-on in the opening minute and he, Pollock and player of the match Earl all put their hands up for a place in Brisbane after combining to produce the tourists' best performance at the breakdown.

That allowed scrum-half White to play with pace and urgency to get the attack firing against a team who lacked structure without the ball.

However, Invitational AU & NZ's individual talent meant they always had the potential to be a threat on attack but the Lions fronted up in defence to shut out their opponents, conceding just six penalties.

Saturday's victory has to be a launchpad for the first Test but there were worrying moments. Farrell said Cowan-Dickie being stretchered off means he may call for a replacement and Ringrose's setback explains why Huw Jones was withdrawn after 50 minutes.

Standout performer

Ben Earl completed 14 carries in AdelaideCredit: Getty Images

A Test starter in 2021, Van der Merwe did his selection hopes no harm with his hat-trick. He was characteristically unconventional in defence but still played his part in an excellent performance from the back three.

Fellow wing Mack Hansen displayed his playmaking ability by putting others through gaps, and full-back Hugo Keenan potentially played his way into the first Test with an all-round positive showing.

Jones and Tuipulotu almost always combine well, and flankers Pollock and Morgan's speed over the ball caused havoc, but number eight Earl was deservedly named player of the match.

The Saracens star made 14 carries, totalling 57 metres, and also completed 11 tackles. 

Not bad numbers to produce the week before the first Test.

What's next?

The Lions now head back to Brisbane, where they beat the Reds on July 2, to prepare for Saturday's opening Test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium.

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2025 British & Irish Lions Tour schedule

The British & Irish Lions play ten matches this summer and after beginning their schedule with a 28-24 defeat to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Andy Farrell's side have scored a half-century of points in wins over the Western Force and Queensland Reds since arriving in Australia.

After a disappointing performance against the Waratahs, albeit winning 21-10, the 36-24 victory over the Brumbies posed more questions but some of those were answered when they beat Invitational AU & NZ 48-0.

Now it is all eyes on the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19.

Here is the full itinerary:

Odds correct at time of publication.

2025 British & Irish Lions squad in full

Forwards: Tadhg Beirne, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Scott Cummings, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Pierre Schoeman, Dan Sheehan, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn, James Lowe, Alex Mitchell, Jamie Osborne, Garry Ringrose, Finn Russell, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.

Read Jack Ogalbe's thoughts on the Lions squad

Where can I watch the 2025 Lions tour?

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia is being shown live on Sky Sports.

Who is the captain of the Lions?

England forward Maro Itoje was named as the captain of the British & Irish Lions at May's squad announcement at the O2 in London. He is the first English captain of the Lions since Martin Johnson led them on the 2001 tour down under and only the third in 89 years.

Who is the Lions' head coach?

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was appointed as leader of the British & Irish Lions in 2024. Farrell, who enjoyed a stellar career in rugby league with Wigan, is currently the head coach of Ireland, whom he has guided to two Six Nations titles. 

What is the betting for the 2025 Lions Tour?

Here are the latest odds for the British & Irish Lions' three-match Test series against Australia's Wallabies.

Odds correct at 11am on Thursday, June 26. Subject to change.

Read more ...

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