Lions player ratings vs Western Force: Russell and Pollock star

Saturday, 28 June 2025 at 12:44

byMax Drinkwater-James

Lions player ratings vs Western Force as Andy Farrell's men kicked off their tour of Australia with an impressive victory in Perth.

The British & Irish Lions made a statement in their opening tour match, storming to a 54-7 win over the Western Force in Perth.

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Despite the hosts enjoying early territory, it was the Lions who made it count. Dan Sheehan, Tomos Williams, and Elliot Daly crossed in the first half to put the tourists 21-7 up at the break, with Nic White grabbing a lone reply for the Force in front of a record 46,656 crowd.

After the break, it was all Lions. Williams bagged a second with a stunning solo effort before going off injured.

Garry Ringrose, Joe McCarthy, Daly again, and a final try from Alex Mitchell sealed a dominant start to the 2025 tour.

The Lions were clinical, physical, and far too much for their Aussie opponents. An ominous warning for what’s to come.

WESTERN FORCE: 7

Tries: White (5)
Cons: Donaldson (6)
Pens:

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS: 54

Tries: Sheehan (2), Williams (16,47), Daly (36,70), Ringrose (52), Mitchell (80)
Cons: Russell (3,17,37,52), Smith (71,80)
Pens:

Lions player ratings vs Western Force:

1.Pierre Schoeman -5

Schoeman really struggled under the pressure at the scrum, which hindered the Lions hugely in the first half and put the Lions under added pressure at set pieces. On field he was a passenger struggling with the Forces’ physicality.

2.Dan Sheehan (C) -6

Sheehan was a much-needed addition to the Lions’ set piece, with his throw-in being much cleaner and consistent than what the Lions’ pack had to work with back in Dublin. Linked up greatly to grab his try and looked industrious with the ball in hand.

3.Tadhg Furlong -5

Furlong very similar to Schoeman. Struggled in the physicality department, which the likes of Ellis Genge shone against Argentina. Lost the battle at set piece and was on the back foot for the majority of the game.

4.Scott Cummings -4

Cummings was at the forefront of the Lions’ biggest Achilles heel, which was kick-off restarts. A big headache for the Lions which will need fixing in the build up to test fixtures but it feels like Cummings floundered and maybe played himself out of test contention.

5. Joe McCarthy-8

Joe McCarthy might have just played his way into test contention with a fantastic showing in the lock. He was everywhere for the Lions, grinding out all the dirty work in defence and attack and was rewarded for his efforts with a try.

6.Tadhg Beirne -5

Beirne moved into the back row after an impressive showing against Argentina in the lock but he really struggled up against the Forces’ pace to the game and gave away some silly penalties in and around the breakdown.

7. Josh Van Der Flier -7

Van der Flier was quietly very good for the Lions. He didn’t light the game up with huge moments but instead just did his basic skills to a great standard and oddly was very good with ball in hand rather than his defensive efforts.

8. Henry Pollock -8.5

Pollock had the game which sums him up as a character to a tee. A great running set-up for Williams’ first try, a contentious yellow card and a brawl to suit. He was fantastic with the ball and just suited the running nature of the game. People will be surprised if he keeps the 8 jersey for test games but don’t be surprised to see him as part of the test flankers.

9. Tomos Williams-8

Williams was excellent on the ball his distribution was really clean and helped progress the Lions’ attack. Two very nifty tries, one from running a trademark cheat line and the other from some great link up with James Lowe. Unfortunate to see him come off injured but other than that he really shone.

10. Finn Russell - 8

Russell was his usual self, just a maverick playmaker and that was encapsulated purely with his set-up for Daly’s try. Kicking was very clean both in-game and from the tee. Even defensively, he put in some great work, which will be a big delight to Andy Farrell.

11. James Lowe- 6

Lowe was unluckly quite with a lack of ball in hand for the winger but he was reliable as ever. Defensively he put in a huge shift and helped with some thundering clearing kicks. Linked up really well with Williams for a fantastic running try.

12. Sione Tuipulotu- 7

Tuipulotu was moved to inside center and he looked just as comfortable at 12 as he did at 13 for the Lions. Ball in hand he offered some great difference in attack and defensively he was solid too.

13. Garry Ringrose- 7.5

Ringrose was a monster in midfield for the Lions. His defensive hits, which will cause some debate around his defensive tempo were a huge tempo setter for the Lions. Ball in hand he ran some great lines and played really clever with his kicks and even grabbed himself a try and maybe a bolter for a test start.

14. Mack Hansen- 7

Hansen put in the shift of his life for the Lions, he was everywhere in defence and popped up nicely in the midfield with some clever carries. He will be a huge favourite for a test jersey with some great showings.

15. Elliot Daly- 7.5

Daly was another who was quietly very good for the Lions. He was reliable under the high ball and managed the backfield really well. Found some very good gaps in attack and another who could well be in with a shout for a test start.

Replacements-

16.Ronan Kelleher-6

17.Andrew Porter-6

18.Will Stuwart-5

19.Ollie Chessum-5

20.Jack Conan-5

21.Alex Mitchell-6

22.Huw Jones-6

23. Marcus Smith-6

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.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?