Argentina have delivered a stunning start to the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour with a 28-24 upset victory in Dublin.
Los Pumas' dramatic rise over the past 12 months has taken centre stage as they claim their maiden win over the Lions, who are still finding their feet under coach Andy Farrell.
Watch every match of the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
So what did we learn?
It’s awesome that Argentina gets a stage like this to shine, because their development over the past couple of years has been wonderful.
Even with a host of players unavailable, they matched the Lions blow for blow and gave them a real shock to start the tour.
They could’ve easily gone away after two quick tries and a player in the bin.
But this is a different Argentina team. This is a team that has the big-name scalps (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) and has the confidence to produce magic from nothing, highlighted by Santiago Cordero.
Argentina deserve their status as one of the best teams in the world.
Tomas Albornoz etched his name into Los Pumas folklore with an exceptional performance.
The flyhalf has been at the helm for some remarkable victories in the past 12 months and stepped up in the first half to torch the Lions.
His contestable kicks caused the hosts trouble throughout the game and his running game was excellent.
He was backed up by number eight Joaquin Oviedo and wingers Ignacio Mendy and Rodrigo Isgro, who were all world-class.
Whatever front-row the Lions put out is going to be a force in Australia.
That was the clear message from this contest as the Lions tore apart the Pumas pack, with Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong watching on.
There were a trio of penalties in the opening 30 minutes, with Ellis Genge especially strong on his side, which was only cemented after Mayco Vivas’ yellow card.
The depth they have there is remarkable and looms as a key weapon for them in Australia.
Cohesion was always going to be an issue for any Lions team but Argentina were quick to pounce on it early.
Ignacio Mendy’s early try was a sign of a defence still together as the visitors capitalised on a lack of communication, with the outside backs caught out at times under the high ball.
The lineout also faulted with a couple of steals Argentina’s way - a big concern before a Western Force side that builds its identity on this area.
This is expected, and their second-half surge is what fans should expect more of, even if the result didn't go their way.
The Lions head to Australia with an early wake-up call after a surprise defeat in Dublin.
Make no mistake, the Lions team will be different come the first Test as a host of stars watched on from the sidelines.
Finn Russell will add a lot to their attack, and the side will only get better with further game time.
However, it places further pressure on next week’s Australian opener in Perth.
The Lions need a win desperately to kick-start their campaign and fill them with confidence as the Tests loom.
