Perth, Australia – The British & Irish Lions launched their 2025 tour with a commanding performance against Western Force on Saturday, June 28, 2025, securing a decisive 54-7 victory at a buoyant stadium in Perth. While the final scoreline underscored the Lions’ attacking prowess and depth, particularly their dominance in the second half, the win was tempered by a concerning injury suffered by scrum-half Tomos Williams, who was forced to leave the field.
The match served as an early test for the touring side, offering players an opportunity to stake their claim for inclusion in the crucial Test series squad. After a competitive opening period where Western Force demonstrated resilience, the Lions found their rhythm, executing phase play with increasing precision and exploiting defensive gaps.
Lions Assert Control in Second Half
The first half saw the Lions establish a lead, but it was after the interval that they truly pulled away. Their renowned forward pack began to assert significant pressure at the set piece and breakdown, laying a formidable platform for the backs. The cohesion and tempo of their attack visibly increased, leading to a flurry of tries that rapidly extended their advantage on the scoreboard. This powerful second-half surge was the defining characteristic of the Lions’ performance, transforming a solid lead into a runaway victory.
The final score of 54-7 reflects the Lions’ comprehensive superiority across the park in the latter stages of the game. Their ability to maintain a high level of intensity and clinical finishing under pressure will be a significant positive for the coaching staff as they evaluate the squad’s progress.
Attacking Flair and Key Contributions
The Lions displayed impressive attacking fluency, with tries coming from various areas of the pitch. Among the players crossing the whitewash was Ireland lock Joe McCarthy, whose try was a testament to the forwards’ ability to contribute offensively. McCarthy’s performance, alongside other try scorers (though specific details beyond McCarthy are not provided in the initial summary), highlighted the depth and quality available to the coaching team. The backline combined speed and skill, carving open the Western Force defence with well-executed plays and demonstrating encouraging signs of synergy early in the tour.
The sheer volume of points scored – 54 in total – indicates the Lions’ effectiveness in converting pressure into tries, a vital component for success against high-calibre opposition later in the tour.
Injury Concern for Tomos Williams
Despite the emphatic nature of the win, the mood in the Lions camp will undoubtedly be tinged with concern over the injury sustained by Welsh scrum-half Tomos Williams. Williams was a prominent figure in the match before being forced off the field due to an injury.
The exact nature and severity of the injury remain unclear at this early stage, but any setback to a player of Williams’ calibre is a significant blow to the touring squad. As a key contender for a starting position in the Test matches, his potential absence or a lengthy recovery period could necessitate adjustments to the game plan and provide opportunities for other scrum-halves within the squad. The medical team will be diligently assessing his condition, and updates on his prognosis will be eagerly awaited.
Western Force’s Account
Western Force, while ultimately overwhelmed by the Lions’ second-half onslaught, demonstrated commitment throughout the encounter. Their seven points on the board indicate they were able to breach the Lions’ defence at least once, scoring a try (presumably converted). Despite facing one of the most formidable touring sides in world rugby, the Australian franchise battled courageously, providing valuable opposition and helping the Lions prepare for the challenges ahead. The experience of playing against the Lions will be invaluable for the development of the Western Force squad.
Looking Ahead on Tour
This opening fixture in Perth provides a foundational win for the British & Irish Lions as they navigate their tour schedule. The high-scoring victory offers confidence, particularly in their attacking capabilities and forward dominance. However, the injury to a key player like Tomos Williams serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll of touring and the need for squad depth and resilience. The Lions will now turn their attention to their next opponents, continuing their preparations for the highly anticipated Test series, with medical updates on Williams likely to be a significant point of focus in the coming days.
