Lions Roar in Oz! Western Force Clash Heats Up Rugby World!
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The British and Irish Lions tour of Australia is underway, and the clash against Western Force has already delivered drama, excitement, and plenty of talking points. From Mack Hansen's perspective to the on-field action, here's a breakdown of everything you need to know.
Hansen's Warning: 'The Only Team That Can Beat Us Is Us'
Ireland's Mack Hansen, making his first start for the Lions against Western Force, delivered a blunt assessment of the team's potential. Reflecting on their recent defeat by Argentina, Hansen emphasized the importance of self-belief and execution. “The only team that can beat us is us,” he stated. “If we’re not on it and we’re not doing things to the best of our ability, then that’s what’s going to let us down.”
Hansen, who made a positive impact off the bench against Argentina, was far from satisfied with the result. “I’ve officially become a Lion, which is incredible and everything, but we lost, so it was a real weird vibe. We're four of the best teams in the world, so the expectation is to win regardless of who you're playing.”
He didn’t shy away from highlighting the team's high standards and the consequences of underperformance. “There were a few excuses that we could have had [for the loss to the Pumas] but we’ve thrown them out the door. We have some of the best players in the world and you should be winning every time. We’ll get our heads absolutely chewed off if it happens again. So the plan is to win from here on out.”
Facing Old Friends in Perth
The Australia-born winger faced Western Force, a team featuring three of his former ACT Brumbies teammates, including his ex-housemate Bayley Kuenzle, who started on the bench for the hosts in Perth. This added an extra layer of personal connection to the match.
Pre-Game Nerves and the Best Job in the World
Despite his laid-back reputation, Hansen revealed that he experiences pre-game jitters like any other athlete. “Definitely, yeah, yeah,” he said. “You know, come pre-game, I can barely eat anything. You've got the butterflies, you feel sick, you definitely have all that stuff, but you know, it's the best job in the world.” This honesty offers a glimpse into the mental preparation of a top-level rugby player.
On-Field Action: Lions Facing Early Challenges
The Western Force match wasn't without its challenges for the Lions. One particular area of concern was the restart. As one commentary noted, “The Lions are having more problems with the restart than a used Fiat Panda, the latest one flies through Cummings's hands and back toward Daly in the 22. The fullback covers it but the visitors are straight on the back foot completely unnecessarily.” This highlights the importance of securing possession and minimizing errors in crucial moments.
Where to Watch the Lions Tour
For fans in the UK, the British and Irish Lions tour is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event. You can also stream the matches with NOW with no contract.
Looking Ahead
The Lions' clash with Western Force served as a valuable learning experience and a chance to fine-tune their game plan. With Hansen's warning ringing in their ears, the team will be determined to improve their performance and build momentum as the tour progresses.
The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour promises to be an exciting journey, filled with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. Keep an eye on NewsRPT.com for the latest updates, analysis, and highlights from Down Under!