Dominance on Display: Lions Crush AUNZ XV 48-0 in Epic Rugby Showdown



Jack Wilkinson

@jacktwilkinson

The Lions deliver a commanding performance in their final warm-up match, overpowering the AUNZ Invitational team with an impressive eight-try victory in Adelaide; Catch the action as Australia takes on The British and Irish Lions in the first Test, live on July 19th on Sky Sports or stream via NOW.

Last Updated: 12/07/25 12:58pm

Duhan van Der Merwe scores his second try in the Lions' match against the AUNZ XV

Duhan van Der Merwe scores his second try in the Lions’ battle against the AUNZ XV.

The British and Irish Lions made a powerful statement to their Australian counterparts, decisively defeating the AUNZ Invitational XV 48-0 in Adelaide.

In their final preparation ahead of next week’s first Test in Brisbane, the Lions showcased their best performance yet, overwhelming a lineup that included eight All Blacks and six Wallabies. They achieved this with a remarkable eight tries.

Duhan van der Merwe excelled by scoring a hat-trick, alongside contributions from fellow Scots Ben White, Sione Tuipulotu, and Scott Cummings. Irish hooker Ronan Kelleher added the seventh try, and after Owen Farrell made his first appearance on his fourth Lions tour, English flanker Henry Pollock rounded off the scoring. This match marked the Lions’ fifth win on Australian soil as they ramped up their intensity ahead of the Tests.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Follow the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia live on Sky Sports this summer.

For a better video player experience, please use Chrome browser.

Experience the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia live on Sky Sports this summer.

Don’t miss the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia, streaming live exclusively on Sky Sports this summer.

Sky Sports will bring you the exclusive broadcast of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, featuring live coverage of all three Tests against the Wallabies as well as six preparatory matches.

British and Irish Lions 2025 Tour Schedule

Date Opponent Venue
Friday, June 20 Argentina (L 28-24) Dublin
Saturday, June 28 Western Force (W 54-7) Perth
Wednesday, July 2 Queensland Reds (W 52-12) Brisbane
Saturday, July 5 NSW Waratahs (W 21-10) Sydney
Wednesday, July 9 ACT Brumbies (W 36-24) Canberra
Saturday, July 12 Invitational AU-NZ (W 48-0) Adelaide
Saturday, July 19 AUSTRALIA (first Test) Brisbane
Tuesday, July 22 First Nations & Pasifika XV Melbourne
Saturday, July 26 AUSTRALIA (second Test) Melbourne
Saturday, August 2 AUSTRALIA (third Test) Sydney

Howden Insurance proudly supports the British and Irish Lions as their main partner and front-of-shirt sponsor. Discover more here.