British and Irish Lions Secure 54-7 Victory Over Western Force

PERTH, Australia — In a commanding performance, the British and Irish Lions triumphed over Western Force 54-7 in their tour opener at Optus Stadium on June 28, 2025. The match marked the Lions' first game of their Australian tour, showcasing their attacking prowess and strategic depth, though it was marred by an injury concern regarding scrum-half Tomos Williams.

The Lions, captained by Dan Sheehan, asserted their dominance early, with Sheehan scoring the opening try just one minute into the match. Tomos Williams quickly followed suit, finding the try line in the 16th minute and again in the 46th minute, before being forced off due to a suspected hamstring injury. Elliot Daly also stood out, scoring two tries and contributing significantly to the Lions' success.

According to Andy Farrell, head coach of the British and Irish Lions, the victory was gratifying, particularly given the number of new players on the field. "It was a really special day for me and a lot of other lads. Happy with that result, but there is plenty for us to work on," he stated in a post-match press conference.

The Lions went into halftime with a comfortable 21-7 lead, having scored three tries to the Force's one, and continued their momentum in the second half with five more tries, demonstrating their tactical superiority and fitness. Finn Russell's playmaking was instrumental, as he assisted in multiple tries, including a brilliant cross-field kick that set up the first score.

From the Western Force's perspective, captain Nic White remarked on the challenges posed by the Lions, acknowledging their experience and composure. "We certainly enjoyed it a lot... we thought we put them under pressure but just couldn’t take some of the opportunities we had," White commented.

Statistical insights from the match highlighted the Lions' possession advantage at 55%, with 12 line breaks compared to the Force's eight. The Lions' defense also made 132 tackles against the Force's 164, showcasing a robust defensive effort despite some disciplinary issues.

The match not only served as an opening statement for the Lions in Australia but also raised concerns about Williams' injury. Farrell noted that it was "too early to know" the full extent of the injury, with hopes that it may not be severe. Meanwhile, Jamison Gibson-Park is expected to return to the squad for the next match after recovering from a glute issue.

As the Lions prepare for their next encounter against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, the focus will be on maintaining their winning momentum while addressing the need for improved discipline and cohesion among the squad’s new combinations. This opening victory sets a positive tone as the team aims for a successful tour leading up to the highly anticipated Test matches against Australia later in July.

The British and Irish Lions will continue their Australian tour with a series of matches, culminating in three Test matches against the Wallabies, each expected to be a significant test of their depth and resilience as they aim for international rugby glory.