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The 42
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
Lions set off for Australia after an error-strewn opener
ANDY FARRELL HASN'T got pissed off at his Ireland team too often over the last five years. To be fair, he doesn't often have great cause to be angry with them. But what seems to really get him worked up is performances like the one the Lions delivered last night. There were lots of bright moments from Farrell's team and he will pick out the green shoots in the performance as he reviews it during today's long-haul flight to Perth, but he strongly dislikes when his team looks less energetic and alert than the opposition. Argentina always play with passion and pride. Those things seemed even a little elevated last night as they pulled off an historic win. It just seemed wrong that this wasn't a capped international game as the Pumas celebrated their deserved victory. But Farrell will question how it was that his team looked a little less passionate and proud. He would have hated a moment like the one that saw Argentina streak away for a sucker-punch of a try just before half time. Duhan van der Merwe losing control of the ball as he was tackled around 15 metres out from the Argentina tryline was typical of a night when the Lions were too loose with possession. But then, with the ball bobbling on the ground, it was the Pumas who reacted sharply to scoop it up and surge away down the other end. Ultimately, that was the deciding of the contest and while it took scintillating skill from Argentina to score it, Farrell will feel it was sloppy and lethargic from his side. He hates when his team lose the 'scraps' on the ground in such instances or when the ball breaks from an aerial contest. Ireland have made it a point of pride to be the best at hoovering up the scraps and he will want his Lions team to do much better in that regard. Advertisement Duhan van der Merwe and Ben Earl. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO Those uncommon times when he has clearly been annoyed after Ireland games also usually come when his players have been wasteful with the ball. There were many instances of that from the Lions last night. They repeatedly got into promising situations only to throw a loose pass or offload directly to an Argentinian player or slightly behind a team-mate. This kind of stuff can happen because of overexcitement or overeagerness, which seems likely given that these Lions players know they only have a few more games in which to state their Test credentials. These errors can also happen when people are distracted by something like a flight to Australia the next day. We won't be able to put our finger on it from outside the Lions camp, but Farrell has already made it clear that this stuff is unacceptable to him. The lineout was also a major weakness on the night, with a 78% return on their own throw limiting how often they could strike at the Pumas. And yet, even while Farrell set out his stall with his show of annoyance and refusal to make excuses, this kind of stuff isn't entirely unexpected on opening night for the Lions. Unconvincing performances in the Lions' first game are not a rarity. It's also worth underlining that the Lions' first game isn't usually against one of the best teams in the world, which is what Argentina are. Ranked fifth in the official World Rugby list, Felipe Contepomi's men had a fine 2024 season and picked up where they left off. They're a creative, gritty team and they made the Lions' lives difficult. The Australian Super Rugby teams may be inspired to produce next-level performances, but the Argentina game could be the Lions' toughest pre-Test challenge. It certainly wasn't all doom and gloom for the Lions. Their scrum was excellent, with Ellis Genge and Finlay Bealham impressing as they won several important penalties from a proud Pumas pack. Henry Pollock in Dublin. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO There were more than a few glimpses of quality from the Lions attack, including two clever plays from goal line drop-outs, which have been a calling card for Ireland under Farrell. Some of their phase-play shapes were smooth as they stretched the Pumas. The Bundee Aki and Tadhg Beirne tries were excellent, while a maul penalty try is always a happy moment for the forwards. The slick skills from Luke Cowan-Dickie, Marcus Smith, Sione Tuipulotu, and Fin Smith before Aki finished powerfully shows what the Lions can do when their handling is accurate. The power from Ben Earl and particularly Genge before Beirne's try was a reminder of the athleticism in this squad, their carries paving the way for scrum-half Tomos Williams to deftly pick out Beirne running a clever line to finish. Most Lions players had good moments and made a couple of errors. Some of them know they now have ground to make up, and the players who watched from the stands last night must sense an opportunity to make a statement against the Western Force next Saturday in Perth. Happily, the Lions didn't appear to pick up any big injuries last night and they will still set off for Australia this morning in optimistic form. The show is on the road and Farrell has laid down a marker for what he wants to see from these Lions.
The 42
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The 42
Defeat doesn't detract from sense Lions should do this more often
THE FIRST WAVES of red hit Dublin sometime around Thursday afternoon. Strolling from Aungier Street toward the north side of the city, the pubs and streets were swarming with pockets of red jerseys. Today it lifted another notch, with groups of supporters making a day of it in the city and adding a notably more lively atmosphere to the areas surrounding Lansdowne Road than your typical Ireland matchday experience. Something was brewing. There was chanting in the streets, groups video calling friends and family back home and younger supporters snapping selfies with their newly-acquired Lions merch. There was no denying the sights and sounds on show. Lions fever had hit Dublin. It would be easy to be sneering about the occasion, and if you're that way inclined, the very existence of this team, tour and brand. Tickets were touching €200, and all for a game that wasn't being capped. A core of Andy Farrell's squad enjoyed it with their feet up, with most of those involved in last weekend's URC and Premiership finals given the night off. But on the day it looked and felt big time. This was a loud and lively launch night for the Lions' 2025 tour. The Aviva Stadium was alive with noise and colour before kick-off. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO Many were already in their seats an hour before kick-off. A lull in the pre-match music 30 minutes out allowed a small smattering of Argentina supporters to break out in song. The vast majority of those present to cheer on the home side came wearing that distinctive shade of red. You couldn't help but think about how it will feel even more vibrant when the tourists get down to the real work in Australia. Or about how they should do these 'home' Lions games more often. Or about how the source of the atmosphere might have been rooted in how, and to who, those pricey tickets were sold. Those who forked out came wanting a show and to see the home favourites. Bundee Aki received the loudest cheer when the teams were read out pre-game. Tadhg Beirne got the first touch of the Lions' 2025 campaign, leaping to collect Argentina's kick-off as firework smoke slowly cleared. Advertisement You could argue that what followed doesn't overly matter. Win or lose for the Lions, this was a worthwhile occasion and something that should be visited again ahead of future tours. Tonight the Lions played a home game for only the second time, and their fans loved it. You could also argue that Argentina taking the spoils only added to it all. Maybe it's time these tours visited new parts of the world. Those who were here will remember it as a rip-roaring game sprinkled with moments of real quality, many of which came from the swaggering crowd wearing blue and white. Aki took the distinction of being the 2025 Lions' first try-scorer, finishing a wonderful move at the end of the first quarter – Luke Cowan-Dickie, Marcus Smith, Sione Tuipulotu and Fin Smith all showing sharp handling before Aki became the focus. The Connacht man had Tommy Freeman in space on his right but took the more challenging option, barreling three Argentina defenders out of his way to score. This didn't look like a group thrown together for the first time just a couple of weeks ago. THE FIRST TRY OF THE 2025 LIONS TOUR ‼️ Bundee Aki finally gets the Lions opening try on familiar territory 🔥 — Sky Sports (@SkySports) June 20, 2025 They had for patches of the previous 18 minutes. Duhan van der Merwe burst through a hole but didn't spot Alex Mitchell off his shoulder. Van der Merwe was also the unfortunate man sent flailing as Ignacio Mendy finished the game's opening try, slicing inside the Scotland winger to seal a flowing move that saw the Pumas cut Farrell's men open. The Lions were frustrated to see two tries crossed off before Aki chalked his in. Otherwise there was plenty to like. Tom Curry started like steam train. Fin Smith looked confident and sharp. Bealham was powerful in the scrum, with Ellis Genge doing similar on the far side. Around the half-hour mark, a dip in the game sparked a stream out toward the bars. Only then we noticed how the familiar conveyor belt of pints alongside the press box had been operating at a slower pace than usual. Those still in their seats looked to lift the tempo by starting into The Fields of Athenry. Argentina were making this a proper challenge, and finished the first half with another sumptuous score, stitching together a series of passes to run one in from their own 22. The Lions went in 11 points down at the break. Which one was the 'dream team' again? Five minutes after the restart a penalty try brought the Lions back to within touching distance. Moments later the introduction of Henry Pollock, who dominated this pitch on his last visit with Northampton Saints, injected a jolt of anticipation. The sight of Beirne punching through to push the Lions into the lead had the crowd on their feet. Another roar erupted when the cameras flashed to Mack Hansen on the sideline. His former Connacht teammate, Santiago Cordero, turned the game again by beating Marcus Smith in the chase to a kick-through, another scintillating swipe from the South Americans which again started in their own half. It was perhaps even their best of the night. Mack Hansen was introduced midway through the second half. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO Aki departed, but Hansen and the lesser-spotted Tadhg Furlong came in to keep the Irish interest up. Across the final quarter the Lions looked increasingly like the strangers they essentially still are. Rónan Kelleher threw a lineout that sailed past the target. Freeman dropped a ball he should have gathered. Beirne was caught for a costly neck roll as the Pumas held out on the line. The crowd revisited The Fields. Argentina protected their four point lead to take a deserved victory. They celebrated it full-heartedly. It was clear to see what it meant to Felipe Contepomi's men. It was harder to know what to really make of it all from a Lions point of view. Farrell's squad will need improvement against Joe Schmidt's Wallabies but it would have been startling to see a fully cohesive, commanding display on this first run out. By the time that first Test rolls around on 19 July the cobwebs will be long blown off and this group will be much more familiar with each other. The real stuff starts in Australia, but this was a fine way to pop the cork on what promises to be a memorable Lions tour.
The 42
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
Galway outmuscle St Pat's as Kenny's side continue to struggle for consistency
Galway United 3 St Patrick's Athletic 1 UP BY THE Terryland Waterworks, St Patrick's Athletic stuttering season plumbed new depths as they were overrun in the early running by a sharper, hungrier Galway United. The home team dominated physically, territorially and aerially and dictated the terms early. They also benefited from two early lapses in the first 11 minutes. In the third minute, Evan Watts launched an 80-yard kick-out. Ed McCarthy had time to control on the edge of the box, turn, shoot and score before Joe Redmond or Tom Grivosti could muster a response. Advertisement Galway United fans. Evan Logan / INPHO Evan Logan / INPHO / INPHO It was a deflating start. After being outthought, the visitors were then outfought. A second error compounded the problems. Joseph Anang was a long way out when he smashed a clearance off David Hurley. The Corkonian picked it up in his own half on the right and curled beautifully into an empty net. After weathering some more nervy moments, Pat's started to play some ball after a half an hour. Simon Power had one back after some beautiful interplay. The basics deserted them again shortly after, when Rob Slevin glanced in a header from a corner largely unopposed. It was a wild first, but a more sedate second. The reduction in tempo suited the visitors who showed the superiority of their passing after the turnaround. Power was direct on the left and caused plenty of problems. Jamie Lennon, who carried the fight in midfield, was close from outside the box. John Caulfield. Sean Hoare made a difference, being combative against Moses Dyer and then Malcolm Shaw. Melia was busy and could have had a penalty as the game entered the final quarter. Watts was brilliant in the final quarter, making two top saves from Brandon Kavanagh and Hoare. Either effort could have made things awkward. As it happened, United finished strongly, finishing a famous night for them in style. Galway United: Watts; Esua, Buckley, Slevin, Cunningham (Burns 81); Hurley (McCormack 90), Borden (Walsh 90), Byrne, Hickey, McCarthy (Brouder 90); Dyer (Shaw 70) St Patrick's Athletic: Anang; Sjoberg (Kavanagh 70), Redmond, Grivosti (Hoare 45), McLelland; Elbouzedi, Lennon, Baggley (Carty 82), Power; Melia, Keena (Forrester 70) Ref: R Harvey
The 42
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
Drogheda finish difficult week on a high as they beat Sligo and leapfrog Bohs
Drogheda United 1 Sligo Rovers 0 Barry Landy reports from Weavers Park DOUGLAS JAMES-TAYLOR'S first league goal from open play in 301 days ensured Kevin Doherty's team ended a chastening week on a high note in front of their home supporters. Drogheda will have been cheered even more so by the fact that Bohemians defeat has seen them leapfrog the Gypsies into second position in the Premier Division. Advertisement Drogheda's European expulsion means that their quest to finish in the top three or four places in the League of Ireland takes on a much greater significance now. Their players will be keen to qualify once again and get an opportunity lost by no fault of their own. James-Taylor hadn't hit an open play goal since his header in the FAI Cup semi-final last October. He has battled with a thigh injury this term though and his early strike against Sligo Rovers as just his second of the season. Darragh Markey and Cian Kavanagh compete. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO His loan spell ends in just 10 days time. The striker belongs to United's sister club Walsall – he has certainly been one of the positives of their multi-club model involvement. If this was to his final home outing for the club, he provided a memorable send-off. There were just three minutes on the clock when Warren Davis harried Jad Hakiki off the ball and midfield and scurried forward. He fed James-Taylor on the edge of the area and his right foot strike left goalkeeper Sam Sargeant with no chance. John Russell will likely spend most of his long journey home wondering how Sligo failed to register at Sullivan & Lambe Park. His side created a host of guilt-edged chances. Misfortune and misfire contributed to a somehow scoreless performance. Luke Dennison saved smartly from Wilson Waweru's flick and then the goalkeeper held Owen Elding's shot from a Will Fitzgerald pull-back. Sligo were lively, incisive and constantly on the front-foot. But the hosts retained an attacking threat at all times. Davis managed to sky an effort from eight yards. It looked harder to miss than score. Andrew Quinn and James-Taylor both went close to doubling the Drogs lead too and Conor Kane's rasping drive came off the bar. After half-time, Sligo assumed control and the most clear-cut chances were theirs. Fitzgerald and Elding tested the goalkeeper while Hakiki and substitute Cian Kavanagh missed glorious openings. When Elding missed a chance to touch an inviting cross into the net in injury time, Sligo's time was up. As Drogheda owner and co-chairman Ben Boycott watched on from the sidelines, his team at least demonstrated that for failings off the pitch, they are still motoring along nicely on it. Related Reads The great transfer gamble: Why League of Ireland clubs must not rely on add-ons for value 'He was awful, that's the worst I've seen Josh' - Shamrock Rovers star heads for Ireland duty on a low Grounds for change in League of Ireland shines a light on anguish and joy in equal measure Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; George Cooper, Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Kieran Cruise (Darragh Markey, 46), Luke Heeney, Shane Farrell, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan; Douglas James-Taylor, Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa, 79). Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds, Gareth McElroy (Kyle McDonagh, 35), John Mahon, Reece Hutchinson; Jake Doyle-Hayes, Stephen Mallon (Oskar Van Hattum, 69); Owen Elding, Jad Hakiki (Francely Lomboto, 83), Will Fitzgerald; Wilson Waweru (Cian Kavanagh, 69). Ref: Paul Norton
The 42
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
LIVE: British & Irish Lions v Argentina
The Aviva Stadium is sold out despite the extortionate ticket prices, which really were a disgrace to call a spade a spade. The 2005 home game in Cardiff offset the cost of the New Zealand tour to the tune of over €14 million at the time, so you can imagine how much this fixture will be worth 20 years on. At the same time, having enjoyed the atmosphere for a couple of hours, you'd kind of wonder why this is only the second time the Lions have done this: it's a no-brainer from a business perspective! Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO There are loads of people over from Britain but as the team is read out here, the Irish lads are getting by far the biggest cheers. Finlay Bealham got the biggest reception of the lot — until Bundee Aki!
