GB men win team sprint gold at Track Nations Cup
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Rhyl Journal
3 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Lions have to battle for win over First Nations and Pasifika team in Melbourne
For the first time in seven matches Down Under there was a sense of jeopardy as scratch opponents comprising players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage threatened to cause an upset at Marvel Stadium. A 64th minute try by Duhan van der Merwe propelled the Lions 10 points clear in what appeared to be the decisive moment, but big-hitting FNP refused to concede and struck again through Rob Leota to set up a tense finish. …and breathe 😮💨#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 22, 2025 The closing exchanges belonged to FNP, who replaced Melbourne Rebels after the Super Rugby franchise went into administration, and when they pinched a late line-out the Lions had to weather one last storm. Owen Farrell was captain for the first time in his four Lions tours and while he was solid enough, few players put their hands up for selection for Saturday's second Test against the Wallabies. Jac Morgan and James Ryan were replaced early in the second half, suggesting they might be involved in the Melbourne Cricket Ground showdown in some capacity, but in performance terms all the stars wore white – and none more than their brilliant openside Charlie Gamble. If the Lions were lulled into a false sense of security by running in early tries through Jamie Osborne and Darcy Graham, they soon woke up. Graham, one of nine late call-ups in the matchday 23, experienced 16 eventful minutes after being presented with two-half chances, finishing an easier third and being on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle from Triston Reilly. Reilly was sin-binned and soon after Graham limped off with what appeared to be an ankle injury. The Lions were too frantic and the tide turned quickly when Reilly – whose yellow card was not upgraded on review – picked off a poor pass by Blair Kinghorn to touch down. Van der Merwe's work in defence has been exposed all tour and his hesitation in dealing with a kick was the prelude to FNP drawing level when a series of forward drives ended with Seru Uru powering over. All the small wins were coming from the underdogs as they won a scrum penalty, defended their line manfully and then pickpocketed a Lions line-out. Seeking a reaction, Farrell barked 'let's go, let's go' at his players, but instead Kinghorn threw another loose pass and this time van der Merwe came to the rescue as FNP threatened to score. The Lions' conviction returned early in the second half and was evident as Farrell, Fin Smith and Kinghorn threw passes that provided Osborne with a simple run in. They continued to be met with thunderous defending but eventually struck for the fourth time with Farrell sending van der Merwe over. FNP were not done, however, as they advanced downfield to win a line-out through their determined harrying before Rob Leota found a way through. And the Lions were waiting for the final whistle to blow as they faced down a series of late attacks.
Rhyl Journal
3 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Andy Farrell braces Lions for ‘biggest game of our lives' ahead of second Test
The Lions retained their 100 per cent record in seven matches Down Under but only after surviving a scare against scratch opponents comprising of players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage. It was the first time since arriving in Australia that they faced the prospect of losing but they weathered the storm to register an important victory ahead of their attempt at clinching the series against the Wallabies at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Tap the link below for all the reaction to today's 19-24 win against the First Nations & Pasifika XV 🔗#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 22, 2025 'There will have to be plenty of improvement to get to the point where there's a win on the cards because we know that Australia are going to be a lot better,' Farrell said. 'If you can't get up for what's coming, we're all in the wrong place. To me, this is the biggest game of our lives for every one of us who is part of our squad.' Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen remain the biggest injury concerns ahead of Thursday's team announcement and have yet to train this week because of foot problems. It appears increasingly unlikely that they will be involved on Saturday, but Farrell will give them until Thursday's morning training session to prove their fitness. 'Joe hasn't trained so far but with the nature of the week, which is a bit different, we will see how he is for Thursday,' Farrell said. 'Mack's progressing. Whether he's progressing quick enough, we'll see towards the end of the week.' On a positive note as Farrell and his coaching lieutenants finalise selection, Blair Kinghorn and Garry Ringrose made successful comebacks from their respective knee and concussion issues. Owen Farrell captained the Lions for the first time and completed 80 minutes to give himself a chance of being involved in the second Test as bench cover at fly-half and inside centre. Two tries on debut for Jamie Osborne 🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 22, 2025 He produced some neat touches and spent much of the game operating at first receiver, showing little signs of the injury problems that have troubled him at Racing 92 during the season. 'I enjoyed it. There's always things you can do better and we'll have a look back at the game and see what they were. But I loved being out there,' he said. 'I loved that it was difficult. We got some joy early on but it was a tough match. I feel like I've been in a tough match now sat here. So I'm grateful for that. 'For the rest of it (selection against Australia), we'll see. We've got a job to do regardless for the rest of this tour. 'It will be great whether you're lucky enough to be involved or preparing the team for what is a massive occasion on Saturday and next week.' Andy Farrell, sat beside his son for the post-match press conference, gave a measured assessment of Owen's performance that he finished with a grin. 'There were some good things. A nice little chip off the left peg and some nice touches on the ball, but there are always work-ons. There are always work-ons,' Andy Farrell said.
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Lions have to battle for win over First Nations and Pasifika team in Melbourne
For the first time in seven matches Down Under there was a sense of jeopardy as scratch opponents comprising players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage threatened to cause an upset at Marvel Stadium. A 64th minute try by Duhan van der Merwe propelled the Lions 10 points clear in what appeared to be the decisive moment, but big-hitting FNP refused to concede and struck again through Rob Leota to set up a tense finish. …and breathe 😮💨#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 22, 2025 The closing exchanges belonged to FNP, who replaced Melbourne Rebels after the Super Rugby franchise went into administration, and when they pinched a late line-out the Lions had to weather one last storm. Owen Farrell was captain for the first time in his four Lions tours and while he was solid enough, few players put their hands up for selection for Saturday's second Test against the Wallabies. Jac Morgan and James Ryan were replaced early in the second half, suggesting they might be involved in the Melbourne Cricket Ground showdown in some capacity, but in performance terms all the stars wore white – and none more than their brilliant openside Charlie Gamble. If the Lions were lulled into a false sense of security by running in early tries through Jamie Osborne and Darcy Graham, they soon woke up. Graham, one of nine late call-ups in the matchday 23, experienced 16 eventful minutes after being presented with two-half chances, finishing an easier third and being on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle from Triston Reilly. Reilly was sin-binned and soon after Graham limped off with what appeared to be an ankle injury. The Lions were too frantic and the tide turned quickly when Reilly – whose yellow card was not upgraded on review – picked off a poor pass by Blair Kinghorn to touch down. Van der Merwe's work in defence has been exposed all tour and his hesitation in dealing with a kick was the prelude to FNP drawing level when a series of forward drives ended with Seru Uru powering over. All the small wins were coming from the underdogs as they won a scrum penalty, defended their line manfully and then pickpocketed a Lions line-out. Seeking a reaction, Farrell barked 'let's go, let's go' at his players, but instead Kinghorn threw another loose pass and this time van der Merwe came to the rescue as FNP threatened to score. The Lions' conviction returned early in the second half and was evident as Farrell, Fin Smith and Kinghorn threw passes that provided Osborne with a simple run in. They continued to be met with thunderous defending but eventually struck for the fourth time with Farrell sending van der Merwe over. FNP were not done, however, as they advanced downfield to win a line-out through their determined harrying before Rob Leota found a way through. And the Lions were waiting for the final whistle to blow as they faced down a series of late attacks.
