Lions’ 4 Worst Performers vs Western Force – Including One of Farrell’s Key Men
Rugby NewsSaturday, 28 June 2025 at 22:19
The British & Irish Lions launched their 2025 tour with a resounding 54-7 win over the Western Force in Perth — but not everyone in red came out smiling.
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The tourists shook off a scrappy first half to blow the game open after the break. Still, beneath the dominant scoreline, a few Lions faltered in their first tour audition.
With the Test series looming, Andy Farrell will be keeping a close eye on those who failed to hit their stride — including one of his most trusted veterans.
Here are the four lowest-rated Lions in Perth, ranked from best to worst based on their average match ratings from top outlets.
1. Tadhg Beirne – Average Rating: 5.33
RUCK: 5 | RugbyPass: 6 | Express: 5
RUCK: “Struggled with the tempo and conceded silly penalties around the breakdown.”
- RugbyPass: “Busy in the tight, but gave away two early breakdown penalties.”
- Express: “Unnecessary penalties before being subbed off in the second half.”
Deployed in the back row, Beirne lacked his usual composure and control. His timing was off, and his discipline let him — and the team — down.
With the Force feeding off penalties in key areas, his mistakes disrupted any first-half rhythm. Farrell will expect more leadership and focus from a player of Beirne’s calibre as the tour progresses.
2. Pierre Schoeman – Average Rating: 4.67
RUCK: 5 | Planet Rugby: 5 | Telegraph: 4
- RUCK: “Overwhelmed in the scrum — a passenger at times.”
- Planet Rugby: “Struggled at the set piece but stayed active in open play.”
- Telegraph: “Scrum folded under pressure; Ellis Genge now clearly ahead.”
Schoeman brought energy in the loose but was clearly second best at scrum time. The Force found joy targeting the Lions’ front row early, and Schoeman’s inability to stand firm set the tone. He’s an experienced campaigner, but in this form, he risks falling behind in the race for a Test jersey.
3. Tadhg Furlong – Average Rating: 4.67
RUCK: 5 | Planet Rugby: 5 | Telegraph: 4
- RUCK: “Lacked impact in the set piece — looked second best physically.”
- Planet Rugby: “Not his usual self at scrum time; did his bit defensively.”
- Telegraph: “Outplayed by a converted loosehead. Showed soft hands in the loose, but not enough.”
A surprising dip from the usually dependable Furlong. Though he worked hard around the field and showed flashes of his deft handling, the Lions needed far more from him in the tight. With expectations sky-high, a middling outing like this will raise concerns — especially with other tightheads breathing down his neck.
4. Scott Cummings – Average Rating: 4.25
RUCK: 4 | RugbyPass: 5.5 | Express: 5 | Balls.ie: 5 | Telegraph: 3 | Mail Online: 4
- RUCK: “Central to Lions’ restart woes — could be out of the Test frame.”
- RugbyPass: “Failed to claim both halves’ kick-offs.”
- Balls.ie: “Targeted at restarts — and struggled.”
- Express: “Line-out worked but didn’t see much carrying.”
- Telegraph: “Restart disaster. Ruthlessly exposed.”
- Mail Online: “Missed chances at key moments. Didn’t take his opportunity.”
A rough night at the office for the Scottish lock. Two botched restarts — including one that directly led to the Force’s only try — and a soft penalty near his own line summed up a performance lacking authority.
While he made plenty of tackles and kept working, his aerial vulnerability stood out like a sore thumb. A real missed opportunity in a competitive second-row landscape.
In Summary – Average Ratings (Best to Worst):
- Tadhg Beirne – 5.33
- Pierre Schoeman – 4.67
- Tadhg Furlong – 4.67
- Scott Cummings – 4.25
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QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
Think you’re a true rugby nut? It's time to put your Lions knowledge to the test.
12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?
Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.
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