Farrell’s Response to Argentina Defeat
Following a frustrating 28-24 defeat to Argentina in Dublin on June 20, 2025, British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has made decisive changes for their tour match against Western Force in Perth on June 28. The loss, marred by a scruffy line-out and lateral play, prompted Farrell to overhaul the back five of the pack, prioritizing power, pace, and line-out reliability. The new unit, featuring Scott Cummings, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier, and Henry Pollock at No. 8, aims to address the issues exposed by the Pumas and set a statement performance.
Line-Out Fix with Cummings
The line-out, disrupted by Argentina’s pressure at Aviva Stadium, is a focal point. Cummings, a Glasgow Warriors lock, joins Beirne and McCarthy to form a robust locking trio. Known for shrewd line-out calling, Cummings brings versatility with 12 line-out takes per game in the 2024/25 United Rugby Championship and strong mauling (85% maul success rate). His deft handling (1.2 offloads per game) adds attacking variety, complementing Beirne’s auxiliary jumping and McCarthy’s physicality. The trio aims to stabilize a line-out that lost 4 of 12 throws against Argentina, ensuring better possession for Finn Russell’s playmaking.
McCarthy’s Enforcing Power
Joe McCarthy, a 124kg explosive lock, is Farrell’s go-to enforcer to counter Australia’s likely selection of Will Skelton. McCarthy’s north-south running (2.8 meters per carry) and familiarity with Farrell’s phase-play patterns from Ireland’s Six Nations campaigns make him ideal for tight exchanges. His 14 tackles per game and 90% scrum success rate in 2024/25 will solidify the Lions’ set-piece against Western Force, addressing the lateral tendencies seen against Argentina, where the Lions struggled in crowded channels.
Pollock’s Redemption and Pace
Henry Pollock, a 20-year-old Northampton Saints star, earns a starting spot at No. 8 over Jack Conan, signaling Farrell’s trust despite Pollock’s missed tackle on Tomas Albornoz in Dublin. Deployed to exploit open spaces, Pollock’s pace (top speed 32 km/h) and touchline roaming complement wings Mack Hansen and James Lowe, who will link in midfield. His selection at No. 8, rather than openside, allows van der Flier (18 tackles per game) and McCarthy to handle heavy traffic, freeing Pollock for wider runs. His jackalling aggression, praised by van der Flier, could yield turnovers, though refining his breakdown discipline is key to avoiding penalties.
Tactical Evolution
Farrell’s back five blends power (McCarthy, Beirne) with mobility (Pollock, van der Flier), aiming for sharper breakdown decisions and defensive agility. Van der Flier’s work rate (1.8 ruck involvements per minute) and Pollock’s tackling (16 per game) should top the Lions’ tackle count. In attack, Russell’s aerial game will exploit Pollock’s speed, while Cummings and Beirne’s mauling ensures variety. The Lions’ 62% possession against Argentina lacked punch, but this lineup targets a 4.5 points-per-entry rate in the opposition 22, per 2024/25 stats. Fans on X are optimistic, praising Pollock’s “electric pace” but urging caution against Western Force’s physicality, despite their weaker threat compared to the Pumas.
Next Steps
The Lions face Western Force on June 28, 2025, at 19:00 AWST, aiming to refine their line-out (targeting 90% retention) and phase play before the first Test against Australia on July 5. A strong showing from Pollock and McCarthy could cement their roles, while Cummings’ line-out leadership will be tested. The match, broadcast on Sky Sports, offers a chance to build momentum after Argentina’s wake-up call. Farrell’s focus on tactical clarity and pace sets the stage for a potential series-defining performance, with fans eyeing a return to the Lions’ 2013 Australia tour dominance.
