Sir Clive Woodward takes aim at 'Lions weak link' with changes needed

Despite racking up eight tries in a convincing victory, head coach Andy Farrell appeared far from satisfied as his side struggled in key areas throughout the match.

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The game exploded into life early, with both sides crossing for tries inside the first five minutes. While the scoreboard favoured the tourists 21-7 at half-time, Force refused to roll over in a scrappy opening 40 minutes.

In his Daily Mail column, the World Cup-winning coach didn’t hold back:

"That has to improve. Discipline was also an issue. Australia will capitalise in these areas in the Tests if they're not sorted. It was a fantastic occasion in Perth and it was great to see a sea of red with Lions supporters packing out Optus Stadium.”

The Lions now face a step-up in opposition as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead — and Woodward made it clear: improvements are non-negotiable.

Here are four Lions who failed to fire, with scores and quotes from the top rugby outlets.

RUCK 5 | RugbyPass 6 | Express 5

RUCK: “He really struggled up against the Forces’ pace to the game and gave away some silly penalties in and around the breakdown.”

RugbyPass: “Busy in the tight but appeared to be on the wrong side of Ben O’Keeffe’s whistle early on, giving away two breakdown penalties.”

Express: “Needless penalties in first half before being replaced in second.”

Beirne’s move to the back row didn’t pay off. He looked off-rhythm early and conceded costly penalties that gave the Force momentum. Not the kind of calm leadership expected from such an experienced Lion. Discipline will be non-negotiable in the Tests — and Beirne knows it.

RUCK 5 | Planet Rugby 5 | Telegraph 4

RUCK: “Really struggled under the pressure at the scrum... a passenger struggling with the Forces’ physicality.”

Planet Rugby: “Struggled in the scrums but was busy around the park.”

Telegraph: "The Force put the Lions scrum under serious pressure which leaves his position vulnerable after Ellis Genge’s strong performance last week."

Schoeman found the going tough up front, especially in the first half. He offered his usual work rate in loose play, but the Force repeatedly got the better of him at the scrum — and that pressure filtered through the Lions' entire pack. Didn't show the presence he had against Argentina.

RUCK 5 | Planet Rugby 5 | Telegraph 4

RUCK: “Struggled in the physicality department… lost the battle at set piece and was on the back foot for the majority of the game.”

Planet Rugby: “Not nearly as dominant in the scrums as he was a week ago… managed to get through a decent amount of defence work.”

Telegraph: "Would have hoped for a more dominant performance against a converted loosehead in Tom Robertson. Got through a lot of tackles and some soft hands in phase play."

Another surprise dip. Furlong, usually a reliable anchor at the set piece, had an unusually shaky night. While his hands and defence were solid, the Lions needed dominance — not damage control — from the veteran tighthead. He’ll be under pressure to bounce back quickly.

RUCK 4 | RugbyPass 5.5 | Express 5 | Balls.ie 5

RUCK: “At the forefront of the Lions’ biggest Achilles heel, which was kick-off restarts… maybe played himself out of test contention.”

RugbyPass: “Failed to reclaim the restart… and the second-half kick-off too.”

Balls.ie: “Targeted for restarts and struggled there.”

Express: “Line-out worked but didn’t see much carrying.”

Telegraph: "An absolute disaster at the restarts where he was mercilessly targeted by the Force."

A frustrating night for the Scottish lock. Missed two restarts — one of which directly led to the Force’s only try — and gave away a soft penalty near his own line. Made plenty of tackles, but his aerial work and general impact left a lot to be desired. A golden opportunity missed.

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?

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