British and Irish Lions v Argentina - Teams and predictions
PREVIEW: The British and Irish Lions’ tour to Australia has garnered a lot of attention; however, the side faces a significant challenge on Friday when they take on Argentina in Dublin.
The British and Irish Lions have an excellent record against Argentina, beating them on six previous occasions, with the last encounter ending in a draw in 2005.
Aside from all the headliners like the Maro Itoje becoming the first Englishman to captain a Lions tour since Martin Johnson, who led the side in Australia 24 years ago, the on-field action between the two teams is set to be entertaining.
It is an opportunity for the Lions players to get game time under their belts before embarking on their journey Down Under.
For Argentina, this is the first of 13 matches for the year.
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The British and Irish Lions and Argentina played seven times, with the former winning the first six of those games.
Their last encounter – coming in 2005 at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium – finished as a 25-25 draw.
But despite the record, Farrell warned Argentina, ranked fifth in the world, will be no pushover.
“They [Argentina] are a well-drilled rugby team who have been playing great rugby for 18 months,” said Farrell.
“They have beaten everyone in their path.
“We realise how special it is for them and what a privilege for them to be at Lansdowne Road, it is a special occasion for all. We are looking forward to it.”
Farrell is not wrong when he stated it won’t be an easy task, given the quality of Felipe Contepomi’s team.
Argentina head coach Contepomi has selected a core of seasoned internationals to lead the charge, including the likes of Julian Montoya and Pablo Matera.
Sanitago Carreras, who has entertained Premiership fans at Gloucester this season, starts at fullback with Tomas Albornoz at flyhalf.
Saracens flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez is part of a back row completed by the experienced Matera and Perpignan’s Joaquin Oviedo.
The Los Pumas have been in fine form, recording victories over three of the four teams above them in the rankings in the past 12 months.
They impressed during the Rugby Championship, beating the All Blacks in New Zealand and scoring 67 points against the Wallabies.
— Los Pumas (@lospumas) June 18, 2025
“We haven’t been together for seven months, and now getting together with lots of new faces, it has been a challenge, but the guys have been magnificent,” said head coach Contepomi.
“They are training with a lot of intensity, and we are very pleased with how they adapted.”
Players to watch:
For British and Irish Lions: It is certainly a star-studded side, despite the absence of Finn Russell and the Leinster players. The selection of Marcus Smith at fullback and Fin Smith at flyhalf will be closely monitored by pundits. Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe is always an exciting character when he takes to the field, while Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu combine to form a powerful centre partnership. The combination of Tadhg Beirne and Maro Itoje in the second row will be another vital feature.
For Argentina: The side prides itself in their front row, and with Franco Molina taking over from Guido Petti and Mayco Vivas replacing Thomas Gallo at loosehead prop, it is the perfect platform to show their quality. In the backline, Santiago Carreras, who has been a livewire and impressed in the Premiership, will be out to put in another great show against some familiar faces. Benetton flyhalf Tomas Albornoz will don the No. 10 jersey alongside scrumhalf Gonzalo Garcia, while the talented and former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Rodrigo Isgro starts on the right wing.
Prediction: B&I Lions by five points
Teams:
British and Irish Lions: 15 Marcus Smith, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Sione Tuipulotu, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Maro Itoje (captain), 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Ellis Genge.
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: 15 Santiago Carreras, 14 Rodrigo Isgro, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12, Justo Piccardo, 11 Ignacio Mendy, 10 Tomas Albornoz, 9 Gonzalo Garcia, 8 Joaquin Oviedo, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Pedro Rubiolo, 4 Franco Molina, 3 Joel Sclavi, 2 Julian Montoya (captain), 1 Mayco Vivas.
Replacements: 16 Bautista Bernasconi, 17 Boris Wenger, 18 Francisco Marchetti Coria, 19 Santiago Grondona, 20 Joaquin Moro, 21 Simon Benitez Cruz, 22 Matias Moroni, 23 Santiago Cordero.
Date: Friday, June 20
Venue: Lansdowne Road, Dublin
Kick-off: 20.00 (16.00 Argentina time; 19.00 GMT)
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
Source: B&I Lions
