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The Independent
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Is British and Irish Lions vs Argentina on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
The British and Irish Lions begin their 10-match itinerary as preparations intensify for the tour of Australia with a meeting with Argentina in Dublin. The Lions will play on Irish soil for the first time as they take on the Pumas in a lucrative curtain-raiser at the Aviva Stadium that will offer the squad their first chance to press for places. The three Tests against the Wallabies will be the primary focus for Andy Farrell, who will hope to see his side get off to a strong start even if they are still very much in the bedding in process. Argentina are not quite at full strength with a number of injuries and absentees engaged in the Top 14 play-offs, but Felipe Contepomi's men have enjoyed a number of strong seasons and will hope to produce a good showing. Here's everything you need to know. When is the Lions vs Argentina? The opening tour match of the Lions summer is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 20 June at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event, with coverage on the channels from 7pm BST. A live stream will be available via Sky Go. Welsh language coverage is available via S4C. Team news England's Fin and Marcus Smith are paired in playmaking partnership by Andy Farrell for the first game of the 10-match tour itinerary, with the Lions boss resisting the urge to utilise those involved in the United Rugby Championship and Premiership finals six days ago. An exception is Ronan Kelleher, backing up Luke Cowan-Dickie ahead of club colleague Dan Sheehan with two Leinster hookers in the squad; Tadhg Furlong's availability, meanwhile, is welcome after the tighthead prop missed the Dublin club's run to the URC title. Fresh from a tight defeat in the Premiership final in his last Leicester game, hooker Julian Montoya captains a dangerous Argentina team possessing plenty of experience. Lucio Cinti returns from injury in midfield alongside youngster Justo PIccardo, while scrum half Simon Benitez Cruz and prop Boris Wegner should make debuts off the bench after strong seasons in Super Rugby Americas. Bautista Bernasconi is another potential first-capper. Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Henry Pollock; 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Elliot Daly, 23 Mack Hansen. Argentina XV: 1 Mayco Vivas, 2 Julian Montoya (capt.), 3 Joel Sclavi; 4 Franco Molina, 5 Pedro Rubiolo; 6 Pablo Matera, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Joaquin Oviedo; 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 10 Tomas Albornoz; 11 Ignacio Mendy, 12 Justo Piccardo, 13 Lucio Cinti, 14 Rodrigo Isgro; 15 Santiago Carreras. Replacements: 16 Bautista Bernasconi, 17 Boris Wegner, 18 Francisco Coria Marchetti, 19 Santiago Grondona, 20 Joaquin Moro; 21 Simon Benitez Cruz, 22 Matias Moroni, 23 Santiago Cordero. Odds Lions win 1/14 Draw 30/1 Argentina win 17/2 The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
Irish Times
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
The Lions are in a no-lose position against Argentina, provided they don't actually lose
British & Irish Lions v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, Friday, 8pm – Live on TG4 & Sky Sports Action A bad dress rehearsal doesn't necessarily begat a bad performance, much less a good one, and the grim British & Irish Lions expedition to New Zealand 20 years ago cannot be attributed to the soporific 25-all draw between the Lions and Argentina in Cardiff. But it sure as hell proved to be an ominous portent of things to come. Jonny Wilkinson's sixth penalty of the night in the eighth minute of injury-time salvaged a modicum of pride for the Lions, whose head coach Clive Woodward rested captain Brian O'Driscoll and others, with Lawrence Dallaglio on the bench. Still, to put that draw in context, Los Pumas were missing 25 players through club commitments and their inexperienced side, captained by current head coach Felipe Contepomi , were given little or no hope of causing a famous upset. Two decades on, the Lions play a match in Ireland for the first time ever in what is, again, primarily a moneymaking venture which is understood to be generating around €4 million for the brand, with the last of the remaining tickets (priced from €148) selling out on Thursday. Ultimately, Friday evening's non-capped international, though historic, will be a footnote in history. READ MORE So, once more, the Lions are in something of a no-lose position – well, provided they don't actually lose – for this is again a scratch side missing 15 of its squad due to club commitments and injuries, including 10 from bulk suppliers Leinster. Even so, the presence of Maro Itoje as captain adds to the desire for these Lions to set a stronger benchmark than was the case in 2005, not least as his partnership with Tadhg Beirne could be a Test partnership in the making, as well as roommates. There's plenty of power and ball-carrying ballast in the front and back rows, the Northampton/England halfback pairing of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith will have fond memories of their last visit here seven weeks ago, and ditto their Saints team-mates Tommy Freeman, who looks a likely Test starter, and Henry Pollock, for whom an impact role could well be a pointer to the Test series. Lions captain Maro Itoje during Thursday's session at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph:Any backline with Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu doubling up in midfield shouldn't be lacking in oomph. The general expectation is that they will ultimately duel for the Test 12 jersey, although if they become a combination you'd wonder who'd fill that role in the midweek games. Either way, this looks liken being a searching examination for the 23-year-old Pampas centre Justo Piccardo – who made his Test debut at the Aviva Stadium against Ireland last November off the bench – wearing the 12 jersey donned by Contepomi in Cardiff 20 years ago. Two decades on, one of the greatest overseas players to ever decorate Irish provincial rugby is back in familiar terrain, Contepomi having assembled a makeshift Pumas squad for their first game and first week's training in seven months, whereas this Lions team were training in Portugal last week. The brilliant Toulouse utility back Juan Cruz Mallia and Bordeaux Bègles lock Guido Petti are among those Pumas involved in the Top 14 playoffs this weekend, while props Thomas Gallo and Francisco Gomez Kodela are also missing. Contepomi's starting team retains nine of the starting XV which lost 22-19 to Ireland last November and 13 of both that matchday squad and the one against France the following week in their most recent outing. That core were also part of the Rugby Championship sides that secured wins over all three southern hemisphere rivals in the same campaign for the first time ever, helping them rise to fifth in the world rankings. It's a measure of this game's importance to Los Pumas and Contepomi that he has assembled a relatively experienced side sprinkled with hardened Test match players in the captain and hooker Julian Montoya, La Rochelle tighthead Joel Sclavi, flanker Pablo Matera and fullback Santiago Carreras. Los Pumas are invariably playing for a cause. Back in 2005, they were seeking entry into the 2005 Tri Nations but generally, as here, playing for Argentina is sufficient motivation, especially as the Lions have only granted them three meetings since their sole tour of the country in 1927. Tadhg Furlong during Thursday's Captain's Run. Photograph:However, this week also marks the 60th anniversary of a famous 11-6 victory over the Junior Springboks in Ellis Park on June 19th, 1965, a landmark win which effectively gave birth to Los Pumas. Furthermore, one of the heroes of that day, Arturo Rodríguez Jurado, aka El Trompa (The Trumpet) passed away last Sunday at the age of 81. The UAR (Union Argentina de Rugby) described him as one of the country's most outstanding players. 'They're a well-drilled, well organised team that's been playing some fantastic rugby, certainly over the last 18 months,' acknowledged Andy Farrell. 'Fifth in the world and beating everyone in their path shows where they're at. We realise as well just how special this is for them and what a privilege it is to be here at the Aviva with the Lions playing their first game in Ireland. It's a special occasion and it's great they're coming to the party.' Despite the extortionate ticket pricing and hotel gouging, the plentiful sightings of Lions tops around town on Thursday was a reminder how much the team means to rugby fans and despite the novelty of this fixture, the 'home' support should be significant. The Pumas also has a relatively callow-looking bench, with 23-year-old loosehead Bautista Bernasconi, hooker Boris Wenger (22) and scrumhalf Simon Benítez Cruz (25) are all wearing the distinctive blue and white hooped Pumas jersey for the first time. By contrast, as well as being out to make an early statement ahead of the Oz odyssey, Pierre Schoeman, Rónan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong bring way more international experience, and what Pollock lacks in that he makes up for in his electric energy. All in all, it will be a surprise and even a slight disappointment if the Lions don't board Saturday's long-haul flight to Perth with something of a statement win under their belts. LIONS: Marcus Smith (England); Tommy Freeman (England), Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland); Fin Smith (England), Alex Mitchell (England); Ellis Genge (England), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Finlay Bealham (Ireland); Maro Itoje (England, capt), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Tom Curry (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Ben Earl (England). Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Scott Cummings (Scotland), Henry Pollock (England), Tomos Williams (Wales), Elliot Daly (England), Mack Hansen (Ireland). ARGENTINA: Santiago Carreras (Gloucester); Rodrigo Isgró (Harlequins), Lucio Cinti (Saracens), Justo Piccardo (Pampas), Ignacio Mendy (Benetton); Tomás Albornoz (Benetton), Gonzalo García (Zebre Parma); Mayco Vivas (Gloucester), Julian Montoya (Leicester, capt), Joel Sclavi (La Rochelle); Franco Molina (Exeter Chiefs), Pedro Rubiolo (Bristol Bears); Pablo Matera (Honda Heat), Juan Martin Gonzalez (Saracens), Joaquin Oviedo (Perpignan). Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi (Benetton), Boris Wenger (Dogos XV), Francisco Coria Marchetti (Brive), Santiago Grondona (Bristol Bears), Joaquin Moro (Pampas), Simón Benitez Cruz (Tarucas), Matias Moroni (Brive), Santiago Cordero (Connacht). Referee: James Doleman (NZR). Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (GRU), Andrea Piardi (FIR) TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR) Head-to-head: 1910 – Argentina 3 Lions 28. 1927 – Argentina 3 Lions 37; Argentina 0 Lions 46; Argentina 3 Lions 34; Argentina 0 Lions 43. 1936 – Argentina 0 Lions 23. 2005: Lions 25 Argentina 25. Betting: 1-10 Lions, 30-1 Draw, 13-2 Argentina. Handicap odds (Argentina +15pts) 10/11 Lions, 22/1 Draw, 10/11 Argentina. Forecast: Lions to win and cover the handicap.
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Lions ready to roar in Dublin but Los Pumas shouldn't be dismissed
British & Irish Lions v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, Friday, 8pm – Live on TG4 & Sky Sports Action A bad dress rehearsal doesn't necessarily begat a bad performance, much less a good one, and the grim British & Irish Lions expedition to New Zealand 20 years ago cannot be attributed to the soporific 25-all draw between the Lions and Argentina in Cardiff. But it sure as hell proved to be an ominous portent of things to come. Jonny Wilkinson's sixth penalty of the night in the eighth minute of injury-time salvaged a modicum of pride for the Lions, whose head coach Clive Woodward rested captain Brian O'Driscoll and others, with Lawrence Dallaglio on the bench. Still, to put that draw in context, Los Pumas were missing 25 players through club commitments and their inexperienced side, captained by current head coach Felipe Contepomi , were given little or no hope of causing a famous upset. Two decades on, the Lions play a match in Ireland for the first time ever in what is, again, primarily a moneymaking venture which is understood to be generating around €4 million for the brand, with the last of the remaining tickets (priced from €148) selling out on Thursday. Ultimately, Friday evening's non-capped international, though historic, will be a footnote in history. READ MORE So, once more, the Lions are in something of a no-lose position – well, provided they don't actually lose – for this is again a scratch side missing 15 of its squad due to club commitments and injuries, including 10 from bulk suppliers Leinster. Even so, the presence of Maro Itoje as captain adds to the desire for these Lions to set a stronger benchmark than was the case in 2005, not least as his partnership with Tadhg Beirne could be a Test partnership in the making, as well as roommates. There's plenty of power and ball-carrying ballast in the front and back rows, the Northampton/England halfback pairing of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith will have fond memories of their last visit here seven weeks ago, and ditto their Saints team-mates Tommy Freeman, who looks a likely Test starter, and Henry Pollock, for whom an impact role could well be a pointer to the Test series. Lions captain Maro Itoje during Thursday's session at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph:Any backline with Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu doubling up in midfield shouldn't be lacking in oomph. The general expectation is that they will ultimately duel for the Test 12 jersey, although if they become a combination you'd wonder who'd fill that role in the midweek games. Either way, this looks liken being a searching examination for the 23-year-old Pampas centre Justo Piccardo – who made his Test debut at the Aviva Stadium against Ireland last November off the bench – wearing the 12 jersey donned by Contepomi in Cardiff 20 years ago. Two decades on, one of the greatest overseas players to ever decorate Irish provincial rugby is back in familiar terrain, Contepomi having assembled a makeshift Pumas squad for their first game and first week's training in seven months, whereas this Lions team were training in Portugal last week. The brilliant Toulouse utility back Juan Cruz Mallia and Bordeaux Bègles lock Guido Petti are among those Pumas involved in the Top 14 playoffs this weekend, while props Thomas Gallo and Francisco Gomez Kodela are also missing. Contepomi's starting team retains nine of the starting XV which lost 22-19 to Ireland last November and 13 of both that matchday squad and the one against France the following week in their most recent outing. That core were also part of the Rugby Championship sides that secured wins over all three southern hemisphere rivals in the same campaign for the first time ever, helping them rise to fifth in the world rankings. It's a measure of this game's importance to Los Pumas and Contepomi that he has assembled a relatively experienced side sprinkled with hardened Test match players in the captain and hooker Julian Montoya, La Rochelle tighthead Joel Sclavi, flanker Pablo Matera and fullback Santiago Carreras. Los Pumas are invariably playing for a cause. Back in 2005, they were seeking entry into the 2005 Tri Nations but generally, as here, playing for Argentina is sufficient motivation, especially as the Lions have only granted them three meetings since their sole tour of the country in 1927. Tadhg Furlong during Thursday's Captain's Run. Photograph:However, this week also marks the 60th anniversary of a famous 11-6 victory over the Junior Springboks in Ellis Park on June 19th, 1965, a landmark win which effectively gave birth to Los Pumas. Furthermore, one of the heroes of that day, Arturo Rodríguez Jurado, aka El Trompa (The Trumpet) passed away last Sunday at the age of 81. The UAR (Union Argentina de Rugby) described him as one of the country's most outstanding players. 'They're a well-drilled, well organised team that's been playing some fantastic rugby, certainly over the last 18 months,' acknowledged Andy Farrell. 'Fifth in the world and beating everyone in their path shows where they're at. We realise as well just how special this is for them and what a privilege it is to be here at the Aviva with the Lions playing their first game in Ireland. It's a special occasion and it's great they're coming to the party.' Despite the extortionate ticket pricing and hotel gouging, the plentiful sightings of Lions tops around town on Thursday was a reminder how much the team means to rugby fans and despite the novelty of this fixture, the 'home' support should be significant. The Pumas also has a relatively callow-looking bench, with 23-year-old loosehead Bautista Bernasconi, hooker Boris Wenger (22) and scrumhalf Simon Benítez Cruz (25) are all wearing the distinctive blue and white hooped Pumas jersey for the first time. By contrast, as well as being out to make an early statement ahead of the Oz odyssey, Pierre Schoeman, Rónan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong bring way more international experience, and what Pollock lacks in that he makes up for in his electric energy. All in all, it will be a surprise and even a slight disappointment if the Lions don't board Saturday's long-haul flight to Perth with something of a statement win under their belts. LIONS: Marcus Smith (England); Tommy Freeman (England), Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland); Fin Smith (England), Alex Mitchell (England); Ellis Genge (England), Luke Cowan-Dickie (England), Finlay Bealham (Ireland); Maro Itoje (England, capt), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Tom Curry (England), Jac Morgan (Wales), Ben Earl (England). Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Ireland), Pierre Schoeman (Scotland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Scott Cummings (Scotland), Henry Pollock (England), Tomos Williams (Wales), Elliot Daly (England), Mack Hansen (Ireland). ARGENTINA: Santiago Carreras (Gloucester); Rodrigo Isgró (Harlequins), Lucio Cinti (Saracens), Justo Piccardo (Pampas), Ignacio Mendy (Benetton); Tomás Albornoz (Benetton), Gonzalo García (Zebre Parma); Mayco Vivas (Gloucester), Julian Montoya (Leicester, capt), Joel Sclavi (La Rochelle); Franco Molina (Exeter Chiefs), Pedro Rubiolo (Bristol Bears); Pablo Matera (Honda Heat), Juan Martin Gonzalez (Saracens), Joaquin Oviedo (Perpignan). Replacements: Bautista Bernasconi (Benetton), Boris Wenger (Dogos XV), Francisco Coria Marchetti (Brive), Santiago Grondona (Bristol Bears), Joaquin Moro (Pampas), Simón Benitez Cruz (Tarucas), Matias Moroni (Brive), Santiago Cordero (Connacht). Referee: James Doleman (NZR). Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (GRU), Andrea Piardi (FIR) TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR) Head-to-head: 1910 – Argentina 3 Lions 28. 1927 – Argentina 3 Lions 37; Argentina 0 Lions 46; Argentina 3 Lions 34; Argentina 0 Lions 43. 1936 – Argentina 0 Lions 23. 2005: Lions 25 Argentina 25. Betting: 1-10 Lions, 30-1 Draw, 13-2 Argentina. Handicap odds (Argentina +15pts) 10/11 Lions, 22/1 Draw, 10/11 Argentina. Forecast: Lions to win and cover the handicap.
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Kicking off Lions tour against Argentina in Ireland is profitable for everyone
This is about the game-time and the cash. In the first place, Andy Farrell has 38 players he needs to use in the first three games of the British and Irish Lions tour and the first instalment will take place at the Aviva Stadium against Argentina on Friday night. In the second place, it is about filling the coffers of the Lions machine and the four home unions who are part of the caravan. Gate receipts from this game will yield in the region of €3m (£2.55m) after costs, which goes towards the Lions' bottom line, with a dividend to come to the unions involved. Unlike the last time the tourists opened an adventure to Australia – with the crazy cash-grabber in sweltering Hong Kong in 2013 – this has a less manufactured look to it. Certainly, it suits the Argentinians and the Irish. The away team will pick up circa €1m (£850,000) for their efforts – double their take-home from the pre-New Zealand tour game against the Lions in Cardiff in 2005 – and the Irish Rugby Football Union will collect the wedge for the hire of the dancehall, plus the honour of a first Lions game on its soil: a fitting way to round off a season celebrating its 150th anniversary. So you see why the Pumas would love to set the Lions off to a bad start. Their chances are not great given this Test is outside the international window and Felipe Contepomi, their coach, is relying heavily on their Super Rugby Americas contingent for what is their opening game of the season. Meantime, the noises coming from the Lions camp are all very positive. England's Tommy Freeman, for example, sounds as if he is straining at the leash to get started. And what can we expect? Read More Freeman looks to North for inspiration ahead of Lions' trip Down Under 'Without giving away too much, hopefully a lot of tries,' he says. 'Instinctive playing; we're not going to be there to set stuff up and go through phases for the sake of going through phases. We want to score off the back of anything we can. The guys we've got in the backline, there are threats people have to offer and the ballplayers can put us in those spaces. It's going to be a lot of fun and dangerous, I think. 'It's the best of the best, isn't it? You're all there for a reason. It's how quick everyone is learning the plays, learning the calls. It's how quick everyone is learning that and getting on board with it. 'I've played around Fin [Smith], Mitch [Alex Mitchell] and the Saints lads, but with the others, we've got to know each other and the way they move the ball and do things. You pick up cues here and there so it's all about adapting and how quick we've learned off each other in the past few weeks.' According to the attack coach, Richard Wigglesworth, his own working relationship with Johnny Sexton is developing in the same vein of learning. For the group he is confident about the end result. 'I think the Lions way will find itself to ultimately go and try and win a Test series,' he says. 'You can have: 'Oh, this is what we want it to look like,' but if it's all on the line in the third Test and it's raining, it's going to look different. Read More Farrell throws down the gauntlet as opportunity beckons for chosen Lions 'The Lions way is us being the best prepared we can, whatever the circumstances, whatever the context of that game. Because we want to come out with a successful tour, both on and off the field.' The target then is for everyone to be richer from the experience. Guardian
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kicking off Lions tour against Argentina in Ireland is profitable for everyone
This is about the game-time and the cash. In the first place, Andy Farrell has 38 players he needs to use in the first three games of the British and Irish Lions tour and the first instalment will be before a less-than capacity crowd at the Aviva Stadium against Argentina on Friday night. In the second place, it is about filling the coffers of the Lions machine and the four home unions who are part of the caravan. Gate receipts from this game will yield in the region of €3m (£2.55m) after costs, which goes towards the Lions' bottom line, with a dividend to come to the unions involved. Unlike the last time the tourists opened an adventure to Australia – with the crazy cash-grabber in sweltering Hong Kong in 2013 – this has a less manufactured look to it. Certainly, it suits the Argentinians and the Irish. Advertisement Related: Wallabies name squad for Fiji Test as James O'Connor misses out ahead of Lions series The away team will pick up circa €1m (£850,000) for their efforts – double their take-home from the pre-New Zealand tour game against the Lions in Cardiff in 2005 – and the Irish Rugby Football Union will collect the wedge for the hire of the dancehall, plus the honour of a first Lions game on its soil: a fitting way to round off a season celebrating its 150th anniversary. So you see why the Pumas would love to set the Lions off to a bad start. Their chances are not great given this Test is outside the international window and Felipe Contepomi, their coach, is relying heavily on their Super Rugby Americas contingent for what is their opening game of the season. Meantime, the noises coming from the Lions camp are all very positive. England's Tommy Freeman, for example, sounds as if he is straining at the leash to get started. And what can we expect? 'Without giving away too much, hopefully a lot of tries,' he says. 'Instinctive playing; we're not going to be there to set stuff up and go through phases for the sake of going through phases. We want to score off the back of anything we can. The guys we've got in the backline, there are threats people have to offer and the ballplayers can put us in those spaces. It's going to be a lot of fun and dangerous, I think. Advertisement 'It's the best of the best, isn't it? You're all there for a reason. It's how quick everyone is learning the plays, learning the calls. It's how quick everyone is learning that and getting on board with it. 'I've played around Fin [Smith], Mitch [Alex Mitchell] and the Saints lads, but with the others, we've got to know each other and the way they move the ball and do things. You pick up cues here and there so it's all about adapting and how quick we've learned off each other in the past few weeks.' According to the attack coach, Richard Wigglesworth, his own working relationship with Johnny Sexton is developing in the same vein of learning. For the group he is confident about the end result. 'I think the Lions way will find itself to ultimately go and try and win a Test series,' he says. 'You can have: 'Oh, this is what we want it to look like,' but if it's all on the line in the third Test and it's raining, it's going to look different. 'The Lions way is us being the best prepared we can, whatever the circumstances, whatever the context of that game. Because we want to come out with a successful tour, both on and off the field.' The target then is for everyone to be richer from the experience.
