Latest news with #Itoje
Japan Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Today
British and Irish Lions outmuscle Australia to win first Test 27-19
rugby union By Andrew DENT A relentless British and Irish Lions were ferocious in attack and solid in defense to edge a dogged Australia and win a bruising first test 27-19 in Brisbane on Saturday, with skipper Maro Itoje "delighted". The tourists repeatedly laid siege to the Wallabies line for a 17-5 lead at the break before soaking up second-half pressure to bank the win with both sides scoring three tries. A late Australia try in front of 52,229 fans at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, many wearing Lions red, meant the scoreline flattered a ragged Wallabies side, with Andy Farrell's team never in serious trouble. "We're delighted with the win, the game was a tough test match," said Itoje. "I thought we started well, first half we played a lot of good stuff. Then the second-half was a bit to and fro from both sides. "There's stuff to work on and the coaches are going to have a hard look at that game and there's going to be some really good things that we can take out of it." With Scottish fly-half Finn Russell pulling the strings in the backs and outstanding loose forwards Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne dominating up front, the Lions showed why they were firm favorites. But despite being behind for all of the match, the Wallabies refused to roll over and fears of a huge defeat never materialised. "It's obviously disappointing, we came here wanting to win," said Australia captain Harry Wilson. "I feel as if we probably didn't really get our game going like we would have liked, but our lines were good, and credit to them. "They won a few big moments and that's something we want to do, and make sure we do next week." The second clash in the three-test series is in Melbourne next weekend. The Lions got away to an almost perfect start, Beirne winning a penalty from the kick-off and Russell slotting an easy three points. The Wallabies barely had the ball in the opening 10 minutes, the Lions dominating attacking possession to give the sea of red jerseys in the crowd plenty to cheer about. The home side were made to pay when inside centre Sione Tuipulotu ran on to a beautiful long pass from Russell, which missed out four players, to cross unopposed next to the posts. It gave the Lions a 10-0 lead in as many minutes and they dominated possession and territory over the opening half an hour so much that it was a surprise when Australia hit back. Wing Max Jorgensen came away with the ball after Jake Gordon hoisted a high kick inside the Lions 22 and beat Russell's despairing covering tackle to score in the corner. Tom Lynagh missed the conversion, leaving the Lions 10-5 ahead eight minutes before the break. The Lions went straight back on the attack and their intentions were clear when Itoje turned down two kickable penalties, opting to go for a try. They missed out the first time but were rewarded moments later when Curry barged over, giving the Lions a 17-5 advantage at the break. The Wallabies needed to start the second half well, but instead it was the Lions who struck first, hooker Dan Sheehan finishing off a Hugo Keenan break and crossing in the corner. Russell's sideline conversion gave the visitors a commanding 24-5 advantage. The Wallabies thought they had struck back after some sustained pressure when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii barged over under a pile of Lions. But referee Ben O'Keeffe reviewed video footage which showed Suaalii had not released the ball as he was dragged over the line by the defenders and the decision to award the try was reversed. With the match slipping away, replacement flanker Carlo Tizzano burrowed over for Australia and Ben Donaldson's conversion made it 24-12 with 12 minutes remaining. A penalty goal from Lions replacement fly-half Marcus Smith right in front gave them a safety net at 27-12. Wallabies reserve scrum-half Tate McDermott scored a consolation try just before the siren, but it was too little too late. © 2025 AFP
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Shocking Lions incident that had fans calling for Maro Itoje to be banned
Marjson Itoje will skipper the British and Irish Lions against Australia, and the lock will be desperate to ensure he keeps his cool in Brisbane following previous calls for him to be banned Maro Itoje will take the reins as British and Irish Lions captain for Saturday's Test opener against Australia, marking the start of their summer campaign. He's expected to lead by example as the squad eyes an early series advantage. Having stumbled against Argentina in Dublin prior to their trip, the Lions have since gone unbeaten in five matches on Australian ground. But things will heat up in Brisbane, where Itoje faces scrutiny both for his conduct and his impact. That's partly due to past controversy. During the 2021 South Africa tour, the Saracens lock drew heavy criticism after a high-profile clash with Damian de Allende, with the 30-year-old becoming the focus of outrage from Springboks fans and South African media outlets for his in-game antics. He was seen pressing his knee onto De Allende's upper body - specifically around the chest, shoulder, and neck - during the second Test in Cape Town. That match ended 27-9 in South Africa's favour, tying the series before the decider. De Allende retaliated from the ground by dragging Itoje down and then shoving him in the head. Itoje responded by complaining to referee Ben O'Keeffe. Although no action was taken against either, the online backlash was severe. One fan posted to X: "[Maro Itoje] should be banned after his knee on De Allende's neck! That's dangerous." Another user said: "Itoje also deserved red for this. This is intentional." "Shocked he wasn't thrown out of the game," another comment read. One supporter wrote: "Unacceptable! Maro had a terrible game overall, actually. Complaining and moaning." Itoje, though, seems to have turned the page. His recent form suggests he's grown into the leadership role, becoming a consistent presence throughout the preparatory fixtures. He was on the scoresheet in the Lions' 52-12 rout of the Queensland Reds, showcasing endurance and focus throughout the match. Australia, led by ex-Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, will likely make Itoje a priority target as they seek to disrupt the Lions' plans at Lang Park. Itoje is set to line up in the second row alongside Joe McCarthy and is one of four Englishmen in the starting side, joined by Ellis Genge, Tom Curry, and Tommy Freeman. But more than anything, Itoje must avoid the sort of confrontations that invite disciplinary trouble. With the captain's armband now on his arm, fans will hope he's left the drama behind and embraced the responsibility.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Fans called for Lions star Maro Itoje to be banned after ugly incident
Maro Itoje will take on the captaincy for the British and Irish Lions in their opening Test against Australia on Saturday. As they kick off their summer series, the England lock will be looked upon to set the tone with his leadership. Despite a loss to Argentina in Dublin prior to heading Down Under, the Lions have since been unbeaten, securing five victories out of five on Australian turf. However, the heat is about to be turned up in Brisbane, where Itoje will need to be on top form. This comes after the Saracens star faced intense scrutiny during the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa. The 30-year-old was lambasted by hordes of Springboks supporters and South African media following an altercation with centre Damian de Allende. In fact, some even called for Itoje's suspension after he was seen on camera kneeling on De Allende's chest, shoulder and neck area. This incident occurred during the second Test in Cape Town, which South Africa clinched 27-9, levelling the series ahead of the final match. Double Rugby World Cup champion De Allende retaliated by tackling Itoje from the ground. He then stood over the England forward and shoved him in the head before Itoje made his own appeal to referee Ben O'Keeffe. Neither player faced any immediate punishment, but that didn't stop the online community from passing judgement on the unfortunate incident. And it seemed that the majority of fans on social media believed Itoje was at fault. There were calls for Itoje to be suspended following his clash with De Allende (Image: Sky Sports) One viewer expressed their concern on X, writing: "[Maro Itoje] should be banned after his knee on De Allende's neck! That's dangerous." Another fan was equally critical, saying: "Itoje also deserved red for this. This is intentional." A third spectator was surprised by the lack of action taken during the game, stating: "Shocked he wasn't thrown out of the game." A Springboks supporter also weighed in, remarking: "Unacceptable! Maro had a terrible game overall, actually. Complaining and moaning." Despite the controversy, Itoje has moved past the incident with stellar performances this summer. As Lions captain, he has been one of Andy Farrell's standout players throughout the warm-up matches, justifying his leadership role. Itoje will captain the British and Irish Lions against Australia (Image:) Itoje found himself on the score sheet in the Lions' emphatic 52-12 victory over Queensland Reds earlier in July. His endurance and high performance levels throughout full matches continue to earn him praise. With a match against Australia at Lang Park on Saturday, he is expected to be a key focus for the Wallabies as they look to exploit any weaknesses in the Lions' strategy. Joe Schmidt, the former Ireland head coach now leading Australia, is well aware of the threat posed by the opposing captain. In the second row, Itoje will team up with Leinster's Joe McCarthy. He is one of four England players in the starting lineup, joining Ellis Genge, Tom Curry, and Tommy Freeman in Farrell's chosen XV. However, it's Itoje's responsibility to avoid getting drawn into trivial disputes that could lead to disciplinary action. Supporters will be hoping that his new role as captain will discourage him from participating in any such altercations.
Rhyl Journal
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Maro Itoje welcomes ‘quality players' into Lions squad as Scots are summoned
Scotland trio Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham will join up with Andy Farrell's men over the coming week, swelling the size of the squad to 44 in the wake of Jamie Osborne, Jamie George and Tom Clarkson also being added. The fresh faces have been brought in to provide cover that will prevent key personnel from playing in the Test series while backing up in next Tuesday's match against a First Nations and Pasifika XV. Farrell's decision to turn to those from Scotland's tour of nearby New Zealand has evoked memories of eight years ago when Finn Russell, Allan Dell, Kristian Dacey, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Gareth Davie joined Warren Gatland's Lions. Picked because of their geographical location with their national sides and not on merit, they were shunned by some squad members and Gatland later revealed that internal concern over 'devaluing the jersey' forced him to not deploy them off the bench against the Hurricanes. Itoje's Lions will take a different approach with their captain declaring 'we are all in this together'. 'I have no doubt that they will be welcomed in,' said Itoje ahead of the Saturday's first Test in Brisbane. 'The boss, Andy, has called them in because he believes they will help the Lions to achieve their goal of winning a Test series. 'All of the players who have been called in are quality players. They are players like everyone else in the team, have a high level of experience and have achieved things in their career. 'We are all in this together. It's not us and them. It doesn't matter if there's a late call-up. We've seen in the past how late call-ups have had huge impact on the tour in positive ways. All eyes on Brisbane! 👀🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 13, 2025 'I have no doubt that everyone who has called up will play a significant role in helping the team achieve its goal.' Meanwhile, Itoje has doubled down on Henry Pollock's revelation that the Lions are determined to complete a series whitewash of Australia – an aim that has been noted by the hosts. 'That's definitely the ambition. It goes without saying – no one ever wants to lose a game,' Itoje said. 'It would be a bit weird if one of my team-mates said we want to win two and lose one. 'If you asked any of the Wallabies players, I hope it's also their ambition to win all the games. 'We want to win, but all we're focussed on is this Saturday. The other two games will look after itself.' After playing four matches in four different states in 11 days, the Lions are based in Brisbane where preparations for the first Test have begun, 'We know there's going to be a big step up. As we get closer and closer to the game, we'll sharpen and sharpen,' Itoje said. 'There's a healthy tension in the squad because we know this is what we've been working towards.'
Glasgow Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Maro Itoje welcomes ‘quality players' into Lions squad as Scots are summoned
Scotland trio Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham will join up with Andy Farrell's men over the coming week, swelling the size of the squad to 44 in the wake of Jamie Osborne, Jamie George and Tom Clarkson also being added. The fresh faces have been brought in to provide cover that will prevent key personnel from playing in the Test series while backing up in next Tuesday's match against a First Nations and Pasifika XV. Scotland's Rory Sutherland is one of the new faces in the British and Irish Lions squad (Jane Barlow/PA) Farrell's decision to turn to those from Scotland's tour of nearby New Zealand has evoked memories of eight years ago when Finn Russell, Allan Dell, Kristian Dacey, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Gareth Davie joined Warren Gatland's Lions. Picked because of their geographical location with their national sides and not on merit, they were shunned by some squad members and Gatland later revealed that internal concern over 'devaluing the jersey' forced him to not deploy them off the bench against the Hurricanes. Itoje's Lions will take a different approach with their captain declaring 'we are all in this together'. 'I have no doubt that they will be welcomed in,' said Itoje ahead of the Saturday's first Test in Brisbane. 'The boss, Andy, has called them in because he believes they will help the Lions to achieve their goal of winning a Test series. 'All of the players who have been called in are quality players. They are players like everyone else in the team, have a high level of experience and have achieved things in their career. 'We are all in this together. It's not us and them. It doesn't matter if there's a late call-up. We've seen in the past how late call-ups have had huge impact on the tour in positive ways. 'I have no doubt that everyone who has called up will play a significant role in helping the team achieve its goal.' Meanwhile, Itoje has doubled down on Henry Pollock's revelation that the Lions are determined to complete a series whitewash of Australia – an aim that has been noted by the hosts. 'That's definitely the ambition. It goes without saying – no one ever wants to lose a game,' Itoje said. 'It would be a bit weird if one of my team-mates said we want to win two and lose one. 'If you asked any of the Wallabies players, I hope it's also their ambition to win all the games. 'We want to win, but all we're focussed on is this Saturday. The other two games will look after itself.' Henry Pollock is seeking a Lions whitewash of Australia (David Davies/PA) After playing four matches in four different states in 11 days, the Lions are based in Brisbane where preparations for the first Test have begun, 'We know there's going to be a big step up. As we get closer and closer to the game, we'll sharpen and sharpen,' Itoje said. 'There's a healthy tension in the squad because we know this is what we've been working towards.'
