Lions Unleash Firepower in Perth
Anyone expecting a slow start from the British & Irish Lions on their 2025 Australian tour got a rapid reality check. In front of more than 46,000 at Optus Stadium—an attendance record for rugby in Western Australia—the Lions delivered a bruising statement with a 54-7 drubbing of the Western Force. It wasn’t just the scoreline that had tongues wagging, but the way the tourists turned up the heat after halftime, leaving Force fans stunned.
The star of the night? Henry Pollock, the young Saints number eight. Pollock wasted no time introducing himself on the big stage, barrelling through defenders for 127 meters on 13 carries. Every time he touched the ball, Western Force’s defenders looked worried. His blend of raw power and fearless attacking saw him bust the game open, and by the final whistle, Pollock’s name was on every commentator’s lips. If he keeps this up, he's going to be a fan favorite for the rest of the tour.
Back-Row Bossing & Second-Half Spark
The Lions’ back-row didn’t just belong to Pollock—his teammates brought the physicality too. But it was the partnership at half-back that really glued things together. Tomos Williams and Owen Farrell, both already known for their poise, orchestrated play like maestros. Williams not only guided the tempo but crossed the line twice himself, matching winger Elliot Daly for tries. The fluid link between forwards and backs shredded gaps in the Force defense after halftime.
To Western Force’s credit, they hung tough early. Their set-piece looked sharper than in recent games; the lineout was mostly secure, and their scrum held up reasonably well against the Lions’ beefy pack. Nic White gave the Perth crowd something to cheer with a sharp break and try. At that point, the home side looked like they might make a game of it… then the wheels came off.
Repeated mistakes at kickoffs cost Western Force dearly—as many as six went astray, and every error handed the Lions prime attacking ball. Combined with spotty discipline, the Force couldn’t build much momentum. By the time the fatigue set in, the Lions pounced, racking up five second-half tries and showing off their depth—the sort of depth that wins tours.
- Pollock’s powerful running game
- Half-back control from Williams and Farrell
- Western Force’s set-piece improvements, undone by costly errors
- Second-half blitz: five tries after halftime
- Near-record crowd in Perth soaking up the tour atmosphere
The one cloud on the horizon for the Lions was discipline—nine penalties conceded, which better teams could punish. On top of that, Tomos Williams picked up what looked like a hamstring strain, and it’s too early to say how long he might be on the sidelines. Injuries are part of the territory, but with the Queensland Reds up next in Brisbane, the coaches have some thinking to do around fitness and rotation.
This win will have the Lions’ fans dreaming, but it’s a long road ahead. The squad looked sharp, hungry, and determined to make a mark on Australian soil. If the opening night is any clue, the remaining matches are going to be electric—and maybe a little unpredictable.
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