Tomos Williams and Elliot Daly doubles plus tries from Dan Sheehan, Garry Ringrose, Joe McCarthy and Alex Mitchell inspire eight-try Lions victory over Western Force; watch every game of 2025 Lions tour – including all three Tests against the Wallabies – live on Sky Sports
Last Updated: 28/06/25 1:22pm
Highlights from the second game of the 2025 tour as the British and Irish Lions defeated Western Force
The British and Irish Lions produced a devastating second-half surge to defeat Western Force 54-7, but the win in Perth was marred by the loss of scrum-half Tomos Williams with a hamstring injury after the break.
The Lions led 21-7 at the break at Optus Stadium thanks to tries from Dan Sheehan, Williams and Elliot Daly but were hindered by ill-discipline, with Henry Pollock sin-binned after a succession of penalties.
But the Lions drew an emphatic line under their disjointed first-half display, pulling away from the Force with five unanswered tries after the break in a performance that laid solid foundations for the future.
Scrum-half Williams, who injured his hamstring in the process of scoring, and full-back Daly crossed for their second scores, with Garry Ringrose, Joe McCarthy and Alex Mitchell also touching down to secure a first tour victory on Australian soil for Andy Farrell’s squad.
Lions claim first win in Australia
It took just two minutes for the Lions to show their quality, Sheehan knocking a cross-field kick into the path of wing James Lowe, who sent his Ireland team-mate in for the opening try on his debut as Lions captain with an outrageous offload out of the back of his hand.
Captain Nic White burrowed his way over the try line as Western Force responded immediately to the Lions’ early score, little did they know at the time that that would be their last scoring action.
After four penalties in the opening 15 minutes, a superb linebreak and offload off the deck from Pollock sent Wales scrum-half Williams over for a lead-restoring score.
Pollock was front and centre once more after Daly applied the finishing touch to a Finn Russell quick-tap penalty, sparking a melee between both sets of players for his exuberant celebrations.
The Northampton forward escaped punishment on that occasion but he was sent to the sin-bin on the stroke of half-time after failing to release in the tackle, though it did not cost the Lions, who stood firm to reach the interval two scores ahead.
Pollock had yet to rejoin play when the Lions struck again early in the second half with wings Mack Hansen and Lowe involved in a counter-attack that ended with Williams diving over in the corner for his fateful finish.
Just 10 minutes after the interval and the Force defence was already tiring, allowing the tourists to force an easy opening with Hansen supplying Ringrose with the scoring pass.
Back on the field, Pollock pounced on a loose ball to launch a counter that ended with McCarthy crossing and the gaps continued to appear with Marcus Smith, on for Russell at fly-half, sending Daly over before Mitchell landed the final blow.
Farrell hails Lions for ‘keeping composure’
Lions head coach Andy Farrell to Sky Sports: “Our discipline in the first half was not good, when we gained our composure in the second half we were able to be nice and calm and our defence improved out of sight.
“We were able to force errors, and score tries off the back of it. I’m glad we composed ourselves at half-time and kept our composure through the second half. We’re up and running, and we’ll keep pushing each other forward.”
Player of the Match – Joe McCarthy
“It was tough. It’s probably a taste of what’s to come: the Australians like to play ball and play quick.
“We came out of the blocks firing, and then they came back hard, and our own bit of indiscipline let them back into it. There’s plenty to review and we’ll be a lot better for it.
“We want to be a ruthless side and show that every week. There’s plenty to improve on. I think I blew the cobwebs off so I should be flying for the rest of the tour now.”
What’s next for the Lions?
Every match of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia – including all three Tests against the Wallabies and six warm-up matches – will be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports.
The Lions’ tour of Australia continues with their second warm-up game against Queensland Reds in Brisbane (July 2), the Waratahs in Sydney (July 5), the Brumbies in Canberra (July 9), an Invitational Australia & New Zealand side in Adelaide (July 12) and the Rebels in Melbourne (July 22).
That game will take place after the opening Test in Brisbane on July 19, with the second Test at the MCG in Melbourne on July 26 and the final Test in the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 2. Stream the British and Irish Lions with no contract
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Teoscar Hernández not staying with Dodgers teammates at Milwaukee’s allegedly haunted Pfister Hotel, says it’s his wife’s decision
Teoscar Hernández doesn't believe in ghosts. So he says.But his wife apparently does. And because of that, he's not staying with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates at Milwaukee's allegedly and legendarily haunted Pfister Hotel for their NLCS road games against the Brewers. Hernández addressed his alternative accommodations with reporters during a news conference Tuesday.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"It's whatever," Hernández said. "I don't believe in ghosts. I have stayed in there before. I never see anything or hear anything. But my wife is on this trip. And she says she doesn't want to stay in there. So we have to find another hotel."But I've been hearing from other players and other wives that it's something happening these couple nights."[Yahoo Sports TV is here! Watch live shows and highlights 24/7]This prompted a follow-up question. What exactly has he heard about the famous Pfister?"My wife told […]
Palmeiras afasta elenco sub-17 do Paulista por questões disciplinares
Elenco sub-17 do Palmeiras treinará até dezembro, quando volta a jogar (crédito: Fabio Menotti / Palmeiras)O Palmeiras afastou todo o elenco sub-17 que disputava o Campeonato Paulista da categoria. A diretoria tomou a medida drástica ao identificar problemas disciplinares de alguns jogadores, além de uma certa disputa interna entre as gerações mais nova e mais velha. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADECom a decisão, informada pelo site ‘ge’, as últimas partidas no Estadual serão com o time sub-16. Não apenas jogadores, mas também toda a comissão técnica e o restante da delegação.Elenco sub-17 do Palmeiras volta a jogar em dezembroO Palmeiras não revelou detalhes sobre o que aconteceu, mas confirmou que nenhum jogador ou funcionário foi demitido. Inclusive, o elenco sub-17 treinará nos próximos meses e só voltará às competições em dezembro, na Super Copa Capital, em Brasília. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEDiante dos problemas disciplinares, a […]
Qatar and Saudi Arabia Qualify for 2026 World Cup
Qatar and Saudi Arabia both secured a spot at next year’s World Cup on Tuesday after clinching first place in their groups in the fourth round of Asian qualifying.Qatar defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-1 and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 with Iraq.It marks the first time that Qatar, which lost all three group-stage games when it hosted the 2022 tournament, has advanced through qualification. Saudi Arabia, which will stage the 2034 World Cup, will appear for a seventh time next summer in North America."It’s amazing, an incredible day," Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui told broadcaster beIN Sports.Lopetegui now gets another chance to coach at a World Cup after he was fired by Spain just two days before the start of the 2018 tournament after he accepted the job as Real Madrid manager."For me, it’s one of the best days in my […]
Viktor Hovland talks ‘Envelope Rule’ after Ryder Cup controversy, injury withdrawal: ‘It’s tough’
After having to withdraw from the Ryder Cup early due to a neck injury, which led to the rare “Envelope Rule” being used last month at Bethpage Black, Viktor Hovland is back on the course this week.Hovland is set to compete in the DP World Tour’s India Championship, marking his first outing since his neck injury knocked him out of the Sunday singles matches at the Ryder Cup. While Europe still won the event 15-13, the halved match due to Hovland’s withdrawal and Harris English sitting out for the American side nearly played a massive role after the U.S. team mounted a wild comeback.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement[Check out all of Yahoo Sports' golf content here in our new golf hub]“The whole situation was pretty upsetting, just the fact that I didn't get to play, and I felt really bad for Harris, who also […]
Former Jets C Nick Mangold asks fans for kidney donation to address chronic disease
Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold needs help from a fan or some other good Samaritan.The 41-year-old posted a statement on social media Tuesday revealing that he was diagnosed in 2006 with a genetic defect that led to a chronic kidney disease, leaving him in need of a kidney donation. He said a "rough summer" has left him on dialysis and that none of his family are able to donate.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe statement directs fans with type O blood to a webpage from Columbia's surgery department and signal their interest, specifically citing his name and Jan. 13, 1984 birthdate.Mangold played his entire 11-year career with the Jets, earning seven Pro Bowl nods and a spot on the team's ring of honor. Before that, he was an All-American at Ohio State and a freshman on the program's 2002 national championship team. He […]
Papers: Rangers eye former Man Utd boss Solskjaer as Martin successor
The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday's newspapers...THE SUN Rangers have spoken to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Bo Svensson as candidates to replace Russell Martin.Liverpool are set to bank a Premier League-record shirt sponsorship deal, with the club looking for £70m a year from their next agreement.THE DAILY MAIL Manchester United are considering extending midfielder Casemiro's contract beyond this season, but only if he takes a cut in wages. Nottingham Forest are likely to revert to a more conservative style of play if they decide to move on from Ange Postecoglou. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson joins the Fan Club on Sky Sports News to analyse Ange Postecoglou's start at the City Ground and looks at a tough run of fixtures ahead THE TELEGRAPHChelsea have no concern over […]
Related
Teoscar Hernández not staying with Dodgers teammates at Milwaukee’s allegedly haunted Pfister Hotel, says it’s his wife’s decision
Teoscar Hernández doesn't believe in ghosts. So he says.But his wife apparently does. And because of that, he's not staying with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates at Milwaukee's allegedly and legendarily haunted Pfister Hotel for their NLCS road games against the Brewers. Hernández addressed his alternative accommodations with reporters during a news conference Tuesday.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"It's whatever," Hernández said. "I don't believe in ghosts. I have stayed in there before. I never see anything or hear anything. But my wife is on this trip. And she says she doesn't want to stay in there. So we have to find another hotel."But I've been hearing from other players and other wives that it's something happening these couple nights."[Yahoo Sports TV is here! Watch live shows and highlights 24/7]This prompted a follow-up question. What exactly has he heard about the famous Pfister?"My wife told […]
Palmeiras afasta elenco sub-17 do Paulista por questões disciplinares
Elenco sub-17 do Palmeiras treinará até dezembro, quando volta a jogar (crédito: Fabio Menotti / Palmeiras)O Palmeiras afastou todo o elenco sub-17 que disputava o Campeonato Paulista da categoria. A diretoria tomou a medida drástica ao identificar problemas disciplinares de alguns jogadores, além de uma certa disputa interna entre as gerações mais nova e mais velha. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADECom a decisão, informada pelo site ‘ge’, as últimas partidas no Estadual serão com o time sub-16. Não apenas jogadores, mas também toda a comissão técnica e o restante da delegação.Elenco sub-17 do Palmeiras volta a jogar em dezembroO Palmeiras não revelou detalhes sobre o que aconteceu, mas confirmou que nenhum jogador ou funcionário foi demitido. Inclusive, o elenco sub-17 treinará nos próximos meses e só voltará às competições em dezembro, na Super Copa Capital, em Brasília. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEDiante dos problemas disciplinares, a […]
Qatar and Saudi Arabia Qualify for 2026 World Cup
Qatar and Saudi Arabia both secured a spot at next year’s World Cup on Tuesday after clinching first place in their groups in the fourth round of Asian qualifying.Qatar defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-1 and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 with Iraq.It marks the first time that Qatar, which lost all three group-stage games when it hosted the 2022 tournament, has advanced through qualification. Saudi Arabia, which will stage the 2034 World Cup, will appear for a seventh time next summer in North America."It’s amazing, an incredible day," Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui told broadcaster beIN Sports.Lopetegui now gets another chance to coach at a World Cup after he was fired by Spain just two days before the start of the 2018 tournament after he accepted the job as Real Madrid manager."For me, it’s one of the best days in my […]
Viktor Hovland talks ‘Envelope Rule’ after Ryder Cup controversy, injury withdrawal: ‘It’s tough’
After having to withdraw from the Ryder Cup early due to a neck injury, which led to the rare “Envelope Rule” being used last month at Bethpage Black, Viktor Hovland is back on the course this week.Hovland is set to compete in the DP World Tour’s India Championship, marking his first outing since his neck injury knocked him out of the Sunday singles matches at the Ryder Cup. While Europe still won the event 15-13, the halved match due to Hovland’s withdrawal and Harris English sitting out for the American side nearly played a massive role after the U.S. team mounted a wild comeback.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement[Check out all of Yahoo Sports' golf content here in our new golf hub]“The whole situation was pretty upsetting, just the fact that I didn't get to play, and I felt really bad for Harris, who also […]
Former Jets C Nick Mangold asks fans for kidney donation to address chronic disease
Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold needs help from a fan or some other good Samaritan.The 41-year-old posted a statement on social media Tuesday revealing that he was diagnosed in 2006 with a genetic defect that led to a chronic kidney disease, leaving him in need of a kidney donation. He said a "rough summer" has left him on dialysis and that none of his family are able to donate.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe statement directs fans with type O blood to a webpage from Columbia's surgery department and signal their interest, specifically citing his name and Jan. 13, 1984 birthdate.Mangold played his entire 11-year career with the Jets, earning seven Pro Bowl nods and a spot on the team's ring of honor. Before that, he was an All-American at Ohio State and a freshman on the program's 2002 national championship team. He […]
Papers: Rangers eye former Man Utd boss Solskjaer as Martin successor
The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday's newspapers...THE SUN Rangers have spoken to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Bo Svensson as candidates to replace Russell Martin.Liverpool are set to bank a Premier League-record shirt sponsorship deal, with the club looking for £70m a year from their next agreement.THE DAILY MAIL Manchester United are considering extending midfielder Casemiro's contract beyond this season, but only if he takes a cut in wages. Nottingham Forest are likely to revert to a more conservative style of play if they decide to move on from Ange Postecoglou. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson joins the Fan Club on Sky Sports News to analyse Ange Postecoglou's start at the City Ground and looks at a tough run of fixtures ahead THE TELEGRAPHChelsea have no concern over […]
Be the first to leave a comment