Date: Saturday, 28 June 2025
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 11:00 AM BST
Lions Overview & Line‐Up
Dan Sheehan, the 26-year-old hooker from Leinster, is stepping up as the Lions’ captain for the first time, taking over from Maro Itoje. As part of his debut leadership in the Six Nations, Sheehan is one of five new players in the starting XV.
The team includes eight Irish starters, with Sione Tuipulotu and Tadhg Beirne keeping their spots after the match against Argentina. Several players are making their Lions debut—Ringrose, Lowe, McCarthy, van der Flier—with young Henry Pollock making a notable entrance at No 8 at just 20 years old.
Veteran Finn Russell is back at fly-half, teaming up with scrum-half Tomos Williams. However, Jamison Gibson‐Park and Hugo Keenan are missing due to fitness issues, raising questions about the squad’s depth.
Head coach Andy Farrell is confident that the squad has adapted well after travel and training, and he fully acknowledges the Force’s capability to perform under pressure. Western Force Overview
Coming off a tough Super Rugby Pacific season, the Western Force have faced a rough patch with a five-game losing streak, suffering some heavy losses.
Even with these results, they have six Wallabies on their roster, including playmaker Ben Donaldson, along with Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic White, and Dylan Pietsch—the latter being recognised for creating the Australian jersey for this tour.
Their team combines Super Rugby know-how with international skills, led by captain Jeremy Williams, as they look to elevate their performance against the Lions.
Tactical Battlefronts
● Front-row clash: Sheehan takes charge of the set-piece skirmish, while Force’s props, like Tom Robertson and Nic Dolly, are eager to challenge the Lions’ scrummaging from the get-go.
● Back-row interactions: Pollock, teaming up with Beirne and van der Flier, injects a youthful energy—set to enhance their hunting and line-speed. Force responds with Swain and Champion de Crespigny, relying on their physical edge.
● Half-back duels: The return of Finn Russell brings a touch of flair to the Lions, while Ben Donaldson adds a creative twist for the Force.
● Back-line battles: The centres and wings of Force will aim to hold their ground against Ringrose and Lowe, but the Lions’ speed and adaptability make them a tough opponent.
Key Questions
Will the rookie-filled Lions starting lineup come together?
Even with minimal playtime as a unit, their ability to work together in contact and maintain structure will be a real challenge.
Can the Force take advantage of their international experience?
Playing at home and having Wallaby know-how are huge benefits under the lights in Perth.
What’s the effect of Russell versus Donaldson?
The fly-half who manages the pace and field position could determine the outcome. Bench contributions: Both teams have impactful substitutes—will the Lions’ newcomers stand out, or can the Force’s late additions change the game?
What’s on the Line
This game is the Lions’ debut on Australian ground, a vital chance to gain some good momentum before facing tougher challenges—the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs—leading up to the Wallabies series.
For the Western Force, it’s an opportunity to exceed expectations, showcase their strength against one of rugby’s top teams, and boost their own rebuilding efforts.
Final Thoughts
The match on Saturday at Optus Stadium is more than just the first game of the British & Irish Lions’ tour—it sets the tone. It signifies the start of what could be a pivotal campaign for a squad eager to etch their names into Lions history. For many players in red, this is their initial step towards earning a test jersey, and every action—be it a crucial tackle, a clever support line, or a powerful scrum—will be scrutinised by Andy Farrell’s coaching team.
For the Lions, this is a vital chance to establish rhythm and unity. With a starting lineup that mixes seasoned players (Finn Russell, Tadhg Beirne, Garry Ringrose) and fresh talent (Pollock, McCarthy, van der Flier), this match provides Farrell and his crew the opportunity to experiment with combinations and solidify their strategies against a physically tough opponent. A solid victory would calm early jitters, create momentum for the upcoming challenge against the Queensland Reds, and start shaping that crucial team identity.
However, the Western Force won’t just give in. Competing in front of an enthusiastic Perth crowd, they’ll view this game as a chance for redemption after a challenging Super Rugby season. With a strong core of Wallabies talent and nothing to lose, they could pose a threat—especially if they manage to disrupt the Lions at set-pieces or slow down their breakdown ball. If the Force can start strong and maintain a physical game, they might frustrate the tourists and apply early pressure on a team still finding its rhythm.
Expect a fast-paced, high-energy match with the Lions looking to spread the ball wide and play an open game, while the Force will aim to assert themselves physically, kick wisely, and capitalize on turnovers. The duel between Finn Russell and Ben Donaldson will be particularly fascinating, not only for the tactical flow of the game but also as a direct matchup between two instinctive playmakers.
Don’t be shocked if the Lions pull ahead in the second half. Their fitness, depth, and bench strength should provide them with an advantage.
