British and Irish Lions experienced a rare defeat in Dublin, succumbing to Argentina for the first time in history with a close score of 28-24 at the packed Aviva Stadium.
Duhan van der Merwe showcased his speed with impressive runs early on, but he was part of the defensive lapse that allowed Ignacio Mendy to score the opening try for Argentina.
Sione Tuipulotu nearly crossed the line but was thwarted by a knock-on. However, Bundee Aki powered through in the 19th minute, putting pressure on Argentina’s defense as the Lions surged forward.
A penalty from Tomas Albornoz put the Pumas back in the lead, but the Lions were poised to unleash their attacking prowess. Marcus Smith was quick to respond to an Argentine grubber, and the Lions pressed on with pick-and-go plays that tested their opponents before Albornoz added another three points, making it 14-10.
As the first half neared its end, Farrell’s squad faltered when they failed to secure possession at a ruck, allowing Juan Martin Gonzalez to capitalize, with Albornoz finishing off a clinical move.
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The Lions emerged from halftime rejuvenated, with Fin Smith continuing to shine. The pack asserted themselves by driving forward for a penalty try, resulting in Mayco Vivas receiving a yellow card.
Tuipulotu’s powerful run helped establish advantageous field position, while Smith began to exploit gaps. Ellis Genge charged ahead as the Lions displayed newfound determination, highlighted by Tadhg Beirne’s powerful run.
Despite their efforts, Farrell’s side couldn’t create a decisive lead. When Van der Merwe faltered defensively once more with this time failing to secure a high ball where Argentina capitalized swiftly, with Cordero finishing off an impressive counter-attack.
Determined to have the last word of a topsy-turvy encounter at a sold-out Aviva Stadium, the Lions pressed for a late winner but the Argentine defence held firm as the world’s fifth-ranked side earned some revenge for their narrow loss to Ireland on this ground last autumn.
Line-ups
British and Irish Lions: Marcus Smith; Tommy Freeman, Sione Tuipulotu, Bundee Aki, Duhan van der Merwe; Fin Smith, Alex Mitchell; Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Finlay Bealham, Maro Itoje (capt), Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jac Morgan, Ben Earl.
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Pierre Schoeman, Tadhg Furlong, Scott Cummings, Henry Pollock, Tomos Williams, Elliot Daly, Mack Hansen.
Argentina: Santiago Carreras; Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Justo Piccardo, Ignacio Mendy; Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Garcia; Mayco Vivas, Julian Montoya (capt), Joel Sclavi, Franco Molina, Pedro Rubiolo, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Joaquin Oviedo
Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi, Boris Wenger, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Santiago Grondona, Joaquin Moro, Simon Benitez Cruz, Matias Moroni, Santiago Cordero
Sin-bin: Vivas 45
