British & Irish Lions v Argentina live: Result and reaction as Los Pumas clinch close contest win in Dublin
Lions 24-28 Argentina: Andy Farrell’s men suffered defeat in thrilling and challenging tour match
The British and Irish Lions were sent off to Australia on the back of a close defeat to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin as the Pumas clinched a 24-28 victory.
From the off Andy Farrell’s men were put on the back foot as the Argentine’s attacked with precision and power to force a penalty which Tomas Albornoz dispatched for the first points of the game.
The match then descending into a thrilling contest as Ignacio Mendy went over for the opening try before Bundee Aki’s try helped the Lions take the lead. The Pumas finished the first half superbly with a flurry of attacking prowess as two penalties and a try from Albornoz opened up an 11-point lead at the break.
The Lions responded brilliantly in the second half. A penalty try cut the deficit before Tadhg Beirne restored the lead for the hosts. The last word went to Santiago Cordero who went over for the Pumas’ third try and secured a famous win.
Relive the action from the Aviva Stadium with our live blog below:
Full-time! Lions 24-28 Argentina
The Lions’ maul collapses at the lineout, forcing them to keep the ball alive with quick hands. Time and again, the Pumas’ strong defence holds firm, until Pollock is stripped during a tackle.
The ball is kicked out, and Argentina seal a memorable and well-earned win. The 1888 Cup goes to Argentina!
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 80 minutes
It’s head-to-head contact from Boris Wenger on Tadhg Furlong looked fairly straightforward, but the referee opts against issuing a card.
Fin Smith kicks to the corner and the Lions have one final chance. The Lions claim the line-out cleanly on the edge of the 22.
With no maul formed, they’ll need to build phase by phase and power their way through the Pumas' defence.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 79 minutes
Freeman rises well to claim the high ball and regathers possession for the Lions, but they’re still hemmed in around the halfway line, with plenty of work to do.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 78 minutes
Beirne spills the ball forward, but Coria Marchetti is caught offside the Lions have a penalty. Or so it seemed.
The TMO intervenes, spotting a neck roll by Beirne earlier in the move. The decision is reversed and Argentina get the penalty instead.
Will the Pumas hold on now? In seven previous meetings, they’ve never managed to beat the Lions - is that about to change?
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 75 minutes
The Lions nearly lose control of the move, but the referee pulls play back, the ball was kicked from Tomos Williams' grasp. They’ll take the penalty and once again, go for touch deep in Argentine territory.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 73 minutes
Kelleher sends the lineout long, but there's no Lions jumper contesting it. To make matters worse, Freeman can't hold on to the Argentine clearance.
Two missed opportunities in quick succession a bit of a summary of the evening so far. But there’s still time on the clock.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 70 minutes
Hansen slices through the Argentina defence with a brilliant break, surging deep into the 22 as the Lions pile on the pressure.
The Pumas scramble back in time to halt the attack, but the referee brings it back for an earlier infringement a tackle off the ball. Fin Smith points to the corner.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 67 minutes
Into the final 15 minutes now, and the cameras catch Duhan van der Merwe on the bench with his ankle on ice. One to watch closely - fingers crossed it’s nothing major.
Justo Piccardo charges forward but is met head-on by the powerful duo of Maro Itoje and Tadhg Furlong - a serious collision of heavy hitters.
Lions 24-28 Argentina, 64 minutes
Tommy Freeman puts in a clever chip ahead, but Albornoz is well-positioned and calls for the mark. The Argentine fly-half has been outstanding throughout the match.
Things have gotten a little messy, with Ronan Kelleher dealing with a loose ball from the line-out. Tadhg Furlong then looks to make a break but ends up offloading straight to an Argentine shirt.
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