British and Irish Lions beaten by Argentina in pre-tour game in Dublin - match report
Argentina's first win over the Lions, who had not lost an opening tour match since 1971
Brilliant Santiago Cordero try secured Argentina's victory midway through second half
A penalty try and Tadhg Beirne try had put Lions into lead early in second half
Bundee Aki scored first try of Lions tour but Argentina led 21-10 at half-time
Andy Farrell's squad travel to Australia on Saturday for six tour matches and three Tests
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
Julian Montoya and his Argentina team-mates lift the 1880 Cup.
I reckon it'll be a quiet, muted night of celebrations, won't it.....won't it?
They have a couple of weeks until they face England, so they can enjoy this one.
Image source, InphoBritish and Irish Lions v Argentina (20:00 BST)
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Not concerned for the Lions, lots of players clearly learning the nuances of new roles and many yet to join. Loved watching that Pumas side though, looking forward to seeing more of them in the summer with some big additions to come.
Bill
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
Chris Jones
BBC rugby union correspondent at the Aviva Stadium
It's still light here as the seagulls circle around the Aviva Stadium. Deep disappointment for the Lions, but euphoria for Argentina who take another famous scalp after toppling all the Rugby Championship teams last year.
The Lions lacked accuracy and the line-out fell apart, but having been in Whangārei in 2017 when the Lions stuttered to victory in their opening game of the New Zealand tour, it feels like there is actually plenty for Andy Farrell to build on, especially in attack. There was plenty of fluent build-up play but without the final pass.
Argentina are ranked five in the world; the pre-match odds were baffling.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
British and Irish Lions
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a show from Argentina. Congrats, they deserved the win and capitalised on all the errors we made.
"There is a lot to do. You can't win a Test with that error rate. We lost enough balls in that game for a full tour, throwing balls that weren't on.
"They were hungrier than us with the ball on the ground.
"There was good and bad throughout. We were just a little bit off, I take responsibility for that.
"I hope we are better off for that. We will keep building for the Test matches."
On adding to his squad: "It looks like we have a full healthy injury list. We will see."
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist at Aviva Stadium
Tadhg Beirne warned on Wednesday that Argentina would be treating this as their World Cup final.
As the Pumas deservedly celebrate on the pitch, it certainly looks like it.
A top performance from them and great scenes here in Dublin.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
British and Irish Lions
Speaking to Sky Sports, British and Irish Lions centre Bundee Aki said: "We are not making any excuses, Argentina are a good outfit and they punished us when we weren't clinical. They scored at every opportunity and we didn't take enough chances.
"We bounced back in the second half after [Andy] Faz challenged us with what it means to be a Lion. At certain parts of the game we did it and in others we didn't.
"We have to go from the off. We can only get better from here. We have nine games ahead of us and none of them will be easy. I thought our cohesion at different parts of the game was good and the more we train together as a group the better we will be but we have to learn quick."
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
They always say start as you mean to go on, and that was a cracker to kick the summer off.
Not the result the Lions wanted, but a great watch nonetheless.
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
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Congrats to Argentina. Now they are a global force with squad depth a full Lions tour there would be epic. I guess, as always, it comes down to whether it can work financially.
Rob, Reading
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
Image source, Getty ImagesFull credit to Argentina. The try that clinched it was a score worthy of winning any match of rugby.
A joy to watch in attack, and that was backed up by a defence that would not be breached at the end of the game.
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
British and Irish Lions
British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje, speaking to Sky Sports: "We weren't as consistent as we would have liked to be. We only showed glimmers of what we can do.
"When we were on it, we looked good, we just need to do it more consistently.
"We want to be more aggressive but we are building. It wasn't quite that, we will live, learn and get better.
"Argentina showed us where we are lacking. I am happy we had a hard-fought game.
"We live and learn. This is only match one.
"The fans were amazing and showed us a glimmer of what it will be like in Australia."
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
Possession: 59%-41%
Carries: 150-94
Line breaks: 6-6
Turnovers won: 8-8
Penalties conceded: 5-12
Tackles made: 109-176
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The Lions played like they've been together for five minutes and Argentina like they've been together five years, so the result is understandable. They just didn't have the cohesion at key moments. The Lions will be better with more minutes together, that's why it's an eight week tour.
Steve
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
The Lions' players are in a huddle and the leadership team are delivering a few words.
Defeat tonight, but bigger games to come.
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What did you make of that performance from Andy Farrell's side?
Who impressed you, and who has work to do to make a Test team?
Let us know what you think.
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
Chris Jones
BBC rugby union correspondent at the Aviva Stadium
Image source, BBC SportThe Argentina television broadcast team, including all-time great Juan-Martin Hernandez, celebrate a famous win in Puma rugby history.
Can’t make out too much of what they are saying but did hear the word “PUMAS!”
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
The contrast in emotions could not be more clear.
The Lions' players looked dejected and spent, while the Pumas punched the air after that final turnover to secure the win.
FT: Lions 24-28 Argentina
The 1888 Cup belongs to Argentina - 20 years after a draw between the sides in Cardiff.
Image source, PA MediaIT'S ALL OVER IN DUBLIN! ARGENTINA HOLD ON!
