The Lions vs the Pumas in Dublin
For the first time in their 136-year history, the British & Irish Lions will roar on Irish soil and it’s shaping up to be one for the books. On 20th June at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the Lions face Argentina in what will be more than just a curtain-raiser for the 2025 tour of Australia. This is a chance for fans to see the next generation of Lions in red, right at home, before they head Down Under.
It’s also a proud moment for Irish rugby. Hosting this match under the famous Lansdowne Road roof is both symbolic and strategic: Ireland has contributed 15 players to the 2025 squad, the most of any nation. With rugby fever set to grip Dublin, this isn’t just a match – it’s also a celebration of how central Ireland has become to the fabric of Lions rugby.
And let’s not forget, while the Lions haven’t played together since 2021, the Pumas arrive as a far more cohesive, battle-hardened unit. Michael Cheika’s men have had big wins over England and Australia in recent years. If there were ever a time that Argentina might end their winless record against the Lions, it’s now.
But make no mistake: this is a Lions team laced with Irish class, and they’ll be eager to remind everyone who leads the pack.
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Predicted Lions squad
There’s a very green tint to this red jersey. With 15 Irish players named in the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, it’s clear that Andy Farrell’s fingerprints – and those of Irish rugby more broadly – are all over this team. And if their recent Six Nations and World Cup form is anything to go by, the Irish contingent won’t be making up the numbers in the Aviva this June – they’ll be leading the charge.
Let’s start in the front row, where Tadhg Furlong is once again expected to be the rock upon which the Lions’ scrum is built. Injury niggles have slowed him in the past year, but if he’s anything close to his best, he remains one of the most complete tight heads in the game.
Furlong’s handling, scrummaging and mobility make him the perfect Lions operator – one who can anchor the set piece while also popping up with deft passes and smart angles around the fringes.
Beside him, Andrew Porter looks like the man most likely to wear the number one jersey. His work at the breakdown and his relentless engine have made him a coach’s dream, and his scrummaging has matured significantly since his last Lions tour.
In the middle, Dan Sheehan is the frontrunner to start at hooker. Explosive, physical and a genuine try threat in open play, Sheehan’s stock has skyrocketed, and he could be one of the breakout stars of this Lions cycle.
The second row looks to be a fascinating selection dilemma. Tadhg Beirne, ever the Swiss Army knife of the pack, offers world-class breakdown work and offloading, and should be a nailed-on starter whether at lock or blindside. James Ryan – if fit and in form – remains a leadership figure and lineout lynchpin, while Joe McCarthy is the coming force, a brutal ball-carrier who has quickly made a name for himself in Leinster blue and now in red.
In the back row, Josh van der Flier seems destined for a starting berth. His transformation into a world-class openside flanker has been one of Irish rugby’s great success stories. Add in the big-game calm and experience of Jack Conan, and you’ve got a back row with balance, brains and plenty of bite.
Out wide, the Irish flair continues. Jamison Gibson-Park is a near-certainty to start at scrum-half, his tempo-setting style central to the Lions’ attacking approach. Behind him, the midfield duo of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose could well form the centre partnership. Powerful, direct and full of leadership, Aki was one of Ireland’s top performers at the 2023 World Cup.
And then there’s that electric back three. Hugo Keenan has become the gold standard at full-back – positionally flawless and a tireless runner. On the wings, expect fireworks from James Lowe, whose cannon of a left boot and physical presence will be central to the Lions’ kicking game, and Mack Hansen, the unpredictable magician who can conjure a line break from the tightest of spaces.
There’s experience here, but also excitement. There’s power, but plenty of guile. And if the Lions are to make a statement against Argentina in Dublin, it’s almost certain that Ireland’s finest will be front and centre, setting the tone, shaping the performance, and giving home fans plenty to roar about.
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Predicted Argentina squad
While the spotlight may be on the Lions, and rightly so, given the historic Dublin setting, Argentina are far from bit-part players in this 1888 Cup clash. Under the guidance of Michael Cheika, the Pumas have grown into a fearsome, battle-hardened unit capable of taking down any Tier 1 side on their day. Just ask England or Australia.
Expect a squad that’s heavy with experience, particularly in the forwards. Julián Montoya will almost certainly captain the side from hooker, bringing trademark physicality and grit around the park. He’s the heart of this Argentina team – an emotional leader and a set-piece specialist.
Behind him, the towering presence of Tomás Lavanini (if he can stay out of the referee’s bad books) gives the Pumas some real muscle in the engine room, while Pablo Matera and Marcos Kremer offer breakdown aggression and defensive steel in the back row. Kremer in particular is a tackling machine, and his battle with Josh van der Flier could be one of the more intriguing subplots.
In the backs, Santiago Carreras is likely to steer the ship from fly-half. A natural runner with a good eye for a gap, his game management has steadily improved, and he’ll need to be composed against a disruptive Lions defence.
Out wide, keep your eyes on Mateo Carreras, whose form with Newcastle in the Premiership has turned heads across Europe. He’s rapid, elusive, and more than capable of punishing sloppy kicks or missed tackles.
Argentina have never beaten the Lions in three attempts, but this match won’t be about history – it will be about hunger. With a year to go until their next World Cup cycle heats up, don’t be surprised if the Pumas treat this like a final.
Can Argentina spring a surprise? Back them here.
Predictions for the H2H
So, who’s taking this one?
Tonybet odds place the Lions as favourites with a win line hovering around -7.5 points. This reflects both the firepower in the Lions squad and the unknowns around Argentina’s selection.
Still, this won’t be a cakewalk. The Pumas thrive in underdog territory and play their best when everyone writes them off. However, on home turf, with a partisan Dublin crowd and Irish players in peak form, the Lions should have too much class across the park.
We expect the Lions to start fast – maybe a try from Lowe or Aki – and then gradually wear down the Pumas in the set piece. Argentina will stay in the fight, but the bench depth (think Kelleher, Conan, Farrell) should tip the balance late on.
If you want to bet on the match, you can keep up with the latest odds at Tonybet, whether it’s first try-scorer or winning margin.
Whatever happens on 20th June, it’s history in the making. The Lions in Ireland. Fifteen Irish players wearing red. The road to Australia begins in Dublin. This isn’t just rugby – it’s a moment.
Get the jersey, find your seat, and soak it up.
Tonybet’s predicted scoreline: Lions 28 – Argentina 18
