The British and Ireland Lions lost this year’s opening match on Friday, dropping 28-24 to Argentina in Dublin.
As expected, before Andy Farrell’s first match against the Western Army next Saturday in Perth, there were some teething issues Andy Farrell was trying to address this week.
Here are three things I learned from the opening match:
1. Tommy Freeman, Jack Morgan Impress
It was a match where players had the opportunity to make a good first impression on Andy Farrell, and Tommy Freeman and Jack Morgan did just that.
From the off, Freeman looked dangerous with the ball in hand. After a good campaign with six great nations with the UK and Northampton, Freeman showed his talent for the first time in pursuit of a lion.
Unlike the others, he didn’t try to force everything and remained composed throughout the match. The defender knows he can either pass them in one step or use the range of his passes to pass through his teammates.
Morgan, along with Tomos Williams, is one of only two Welsh players on the team and brought the flag beautifully for his country. He’s stronger than the ball and proved a handful for the Argentine defender. You know he will go through the mountains of all games and is a great leader.
The back row is a very competitive area for the team, but Morgan made a strong first impression.
2. Communication is important
The main frustration of the Lions will come from the fact that when they started, they looked really good. They couldn’t keep it up.
In particular, Freeman, Duhan van der Merwe and Sione Tuyprotou appeared to be threatening with most touches. Overall, this group didn’t do that as long as it needed to keep Argentina under sufficient pressure.
Ambitious off-roading, loose carry, or too many passes will cheer up all good work rather than putting pressure on them through the phase. You need to gain the right to attack.
The good news is that all this is in their control. You need time and good communication.
Farrell would have liked the free-flowing rugby he saw on the Flash, but he reminded them that they are a new group and the cohesion doesn’t get too rushed.
3. Lineout needs corrections – fast!
Lineouts in new groups in particular can be difficult beasts to master. Practice is required.
Both prostitutes Luke Cowan Dickie and Ronan Kelleher struggled and multiple throws were lost.
Both men are experienced campaigners, so you back them to get it right, but that’s an important area that they need to brush before they face wallabies.
Joe Schmidt’s Lions player, especially Ireland’s knowledge of conditioning, is deep and will definitely be looking for an area where he can already make holes and reveal.
Lineout simplicity is a key area of modern rugby and cannot become a persistent issue for us. They need to show that they cleaned it as quickly as possible.
– Sam Bruce: Owen Farrell doesn’t mean a fear factor in Australia
– British & Irish Lions Fixture for Australia Tour
– Complete 38-person Lions Team
– Watch: The moment Maroije was nominated as captain of the Lions
– British and Ireland Lions vs Argentina: How to See