Lions flanker Tom Curry could be cited for 'crazy' reckless play
Rugby NewsSaturday, 21 June 2025 at 20:37
for the incident this time, it’s safe to say citing officers will be watching his every scrum from here on out.
British and Irish Lions flanker Tom Curry is facing heavy criticism for a scrummaging technique many are calling
blatantly illegal following the 28-24 defeat to Argentina.
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Curry played the full 80 in the bruising Test, but several pundits and fans believe he should’ve seen yellow for a moment in the scrum that’s now under the spotlight.
The issue? A controversial move where the flanker pops up into the front row under pressure — a clear no-no in the laws of the game. While Curry won’t be cited
A viral post summed it up:
"Another Lions tactic that has been coached, is to have the flank come up into the front row when under pressure in the scrum. Illegal, easy to spot. Yet no repercussions... In fact from these 2 examples, the Lions got a pen try from maul, and Arg got penalised in the scrum!"
Veteran rugby writer Paul Williams didn’t mince words either, highlighting the potential danger:
"Yup. He's done it for years. It's also head-to-head contact on the other flanker."
And fans agree it’s not just a Lions issue — it’s a Tom Curry special.
“I think that’s a Tom Curry thing, not a Lions thing,” one user wrote. “He’s done it for years for England and Sale. I’m actually amazed he gets away with it — just casually breaking and joining the front row.”
Verdict?
No punishment this time, but the heat is well and truly on Curry. Don’t be surprised if the next time he tries this, the card comes out or a retrospective ban is issued..
"Weak link" - Four Lions players who flopped against Argentina in tour opener
The British and Irish Lions were dealt a brutal reality check in Dublin, falling 33-28 to a fired-up Argentina side in their first match under Andy Farrell — and their first outing on Irish soil.
Farrell’s debut as Lions boss ended in disappointment as his side looked off the pace and out of ideas against a slick Pumas outfit who ran in three cracking tries through Ignacio Mendy, Tomas Albornoz, and Santiago Cordero.
Mendy and the electric Albornoz struck either side of Bundee Aki’s score to give the South Americans a healthy 21-10 lead at the break.
A second-half surge saw the Lions claw back into it with a penalty try and Tadhg Beirne’s effort putting them right in the mix. But Cordero’s blistering counter-attack sealed the deal with 22 minutes to go.
The Lions huffed and puffed in the dying stages, desperate to snatch a win before heading Down Under, but Argentina dug deep to hold them out and seal a famous first-ever win over the tourists.
It’s a nightmare start for Farrell, and the first time the Lions have lost a tour opener since 1971. They now fly out to Australia on Saturday, where Western Force await in Perth on 28 June.
#1. Luke Cowan-Dickie
Planet Rugby 4/10: "Did brilliantly wiggle through the tackles of Joaquin Oviedo and Juan Martin González but split the ball with the line begging. His lineout throws were wayward which severely disrupted the Lions’ flow. He was part of an excellent scrummaging effort, though."
Rugby Pass 5/10: "A fumble cost him the opening try of the 2025 Lions series off a Lions catch and drive. A few too many lineout howlers from the Cornishman, his Bluetooth connection with Itoje looking a tad unstable."
JOE 5/10: "An error-strewn performance. Dropped the ball over the line in the first half."
#2. Duhan van der Merwe
Rugby Pass 5/10: "A mixed bag from big Dewie. A couple of promising inside cuts opened his account, but the defensive ring rust was there to see, having very little recent rugby under his belt. Got beaten with an Ignacio Mendy inside step for Los Pumas’ opening five-pointer and was somewhat at fault for Los Pumas’ score just before halftime. Always drew defensive attention and made plenty of metres after contact."
JOE 5.5: "Made an awesome break in the first half, but from then on pretty much nothing went right for the Scot. Looked very dodgy, weak in the air, and a prime target to attack."
Telegraph 5/10: "Understandably rusty in his first game for almost three months. Finished the first period by losing possession, leading to a Pumas try, and was quiet in the second. Had started promisingly, stepping off his left to carve open the Pumas."
BALLS 5/10: "Superb line break, on six minutes, but missed a pass that would have put Mitchell away. Costly error after he was tackled led to Argentina try before the break. Not great under the high ball. An iffy game."
#3. Marcus Smith
Rugby Pass 5/10: "Scrappy enough for the Harlequin. Opened his 2025 Lions’ account with a poor kick chase and miss tackle and didn’t look terribly comfortable in the air either.
"Saw a bit of ball but was proved a limited counter-attacking threat. Didn’t force the game but did his best to remain involved from the back. Overall, an evening to forget."
#4. Tom Curry
BALLS 5/10: "Hefty tackle, close to his own line, shut down try-scoring opportunity for Argentina. Some bright moments but too many were followed by errors. His decision to pressure Tomas Albornoz back-fired when he and Pollock were easily evaded and Argentina counter-attacked to score. Shelled an easy Furlong pass."
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