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:
Owen Farrell speaking to Sky Sports at half-time:
"I think they [Lions] have created loads of opportunities. The ball hasn't stuck, but they're making good decisions. The key now is not to force it and keep making them good decisions, then I'm sure it will come good.
"This is definitely a proper Test match. You can see that from the way that the game started - it was a lot of kicking, a lot of balls in the air and a lot of trying to get in the right parts of the field.
"Argentina did that well the first 10 minutes and I thought the Lions did well to get some field positions and some opportunity in there.
"Argentina have got scores off breakaways in the first phase - it's a real Test match."
Half-time! Lions 10-21 Argentina
A crushing setback right before halftime. The score at the break might slightly overstate the visitors’ performance, but there’s no doubt they’ve been the stronger team so far.
The Lions have a tough challenge ahead in the second half.
Try! Lions 10-21 Argentina, 41 minutes
Tomas Albornoz scores a great try! The game is messy all over the pitch, but the Pumas steal possession inside their own 22 and break away at pace.
Santiago Carreras charges down the sideline, creating a two-on-one situation against Marcus Smith and Albornoz finishes off the move with a sprint under the posts.
Penalty! Lions 10-14 Argentina, 39 minutes
The Lions face intense pressure as Argentina launch several attacking phases in a row.
The sustained pressure eventually results in an offside penalty against the Lions with play being brought back following a knock-on just short of the try line.
With just a minute and a half left before halftime, Argentina choose to kick for goal. Albornoz calmly slots the penalty, pushing the Pumas’ lead to four points heading into the break.
Lions 10-11 Argentina, 35 minutes
Argentina produce another slick attacking sequence, slicing through the Lions’ defensive line before Albornoz rolls a clever grubber kick in behind.
Marcus Smith reacts quickly, changing direction to collect the ball under heavy pressure leaving him no option but to ground it in-goal. That gives Argentina a five-metre scrum in a dangerous position.
Argentina secure the scrum and their forwards begin to grind down the Lions’ defensive line, inching closer with each phase.
Lions 10-11 Argentina, 33 minutes
Argentina produce a stronger scrum this time, and García clears well from the base of the ruck. Mitchell responds with a kick of his own, but it travels too far, allowing Albornoz to gather comfortably and return it to halfway.
The Lions then falter at the lineout for the third time in a row losing their second of the half and the Pumas pounce. Oviedo, Isgro and García combine to drive Argentina deep into Lions territory with the No. 8 breaking the line.
Fortunately for the hosts, Jac Morgan steps up with a crucial turnover, winning a holding on penalty. A sharp call from referee Doleman, but just about fair.
Lions 10-11 Argentina, 30 minutes
A strong attacking move sees Freeman break around the back of the lineout, making good ground and freeing himself for the offload. However, the pass to Tuipulotu doesn’t connect cleanly and the ball is lost.
Argentina will now restart with a 10 metre put in from their own line.
Lions 10-11 Argentina, 28 minutes
The Lions have been dominant in the scrum, earning a penalty just inside Argentina’s half. Smith pushes forward to gain some ground setting up a lineout deep in the 22.
Under pressure from Mendy, Marcus Smith nearly fumbles a high ball, but it’s actually the Argentinian who knocks it on first.
The Lions keep possession with the throw-in just inside the Pumas’ half and they’re awarded another penalty. Both teams have now been penalised during this tight contest.
Penalty! Lions 10-11 Argentina, 25 minutes
Argentina earn a penalty after Tom Curry is penalised for holding on at the ruck, with the Pumas opting to take the kick at goal. Albornoz secures the extras and the Pumas are just edging in front.
Lions 10-8 Argentina, 23 minutes
Cowan-Dickie forces a turnover for the Lions at a ruck just outside their 22, allowing Mitchell to clear the ball.
Van der Merwe quickly regains possession much to Carreras’s frustration, but then the Argentinian knocks on. The Lions also lose control, so play resumes with a scrum.
Meanwhile, attention turns to Oviedo and Fin Smith after a head-to-head clash. The decision goes upstairs and it’s a penalty only, just outside the 22.
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