The 2025 British and Irish Lions tour officially starts on Friday night in Dublin, as they take on Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.
It is the first of six warm-ups before the first Test match with Australia on July 19, and only the third time in the professional era they will play a game on home soil.
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The first of those came in 2005, and against Argentina, and the Pumas will be eyeing an upset against a team that will be playing together for the very first time under new head coach Andy Farrell, and without several big hitters.
Even with all of that, Paddy Power makes the Lions heavy favourites to lift the 1888 Cup with a -16 handicap set at 11/10.
The Sporting News presents odds and predictions to bet and make the match more exciting.
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Lions vs. Argentina prediction, betting tips and odds
Lions (-10) to win: 2/5 (Paddy Power)
The -16 handicap feels like a serious ask given the Lions are a new-look side and are taking on the fifth-highest ranked side in the world, and one jampacked with players plying their trade at the top end of the European game.
The alternative handicap is a safer shout, and with home advantage and excellent options off the bench, Andy Farrell's side should be able to put some distance between themselves and the Pumas by the end of the 80 minutes.
It won't be easy though.
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Lions vs. Argentina best bets
- Pick: Luke Cowan-Dickie first try scorer
- Odds: 9/1 (Paddy Power)
The Sale hooker might feel an odd shout to some, but just think of how Andy Farrell sides play, and how many tries Irish no.2 Dan Sheehan scores.
Many of them come off the back of mauls or rucks, and it's likely to be a very physical game with the Pumas from the offset, so backing Cowan-Dickie is definitely worth a punt.
- Pick: Tommy Freeman to score anytime
- Odds: 5/6 (Betfair)
If you want to play it safer and go with an anytime try scorer across the 80 minutes, Tommy Freeman is your man.
The England and Northampton Saints winger has enjoyed a brilliant season, scoring in all five of his country's Six Nations games. He also grabbed a try in Saints' iconic win over Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final.
That game took place at the Aviva Stadium, as did England's loss to Ireland in January. Could it be third time lucky for a third team for the 24-year-old?
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Team news and lineups for Lions vs. Argentina
Despite the game taking place in Dublin, very few Irish players will be involved for the Lions due to Leinster's participation in last weekend's URC grand final. Similarly, Finn Russell (Bath) and Ollie Chessum (Leicester) do not feature having played in the Premiership final.
It is still a very strong Lions side, however, and one that is captained by Maro Itoje for the first time. He is partnered by Tadgh Beirne in the second row, a pairing largely expected to start the Test series against Australia.
In the back line, Finn Smith gets his first chance to state his case for Test selection at 10, while Marcus Smith is in at 15, displaying the versatility that could make him a key squad member down under.
Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu starts alongside Bundee Aki in a very physical and interesting centre tandem.
Henry Pollock, the bolter of the tour and next big thing in English rugby, will have to wait for his Lions debut, having been named on the bench.
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Lions vs. Argentina: History and head-to-head record
The Lions and Argentina have played seven times, with the touring side winning the first six games.
In 1910 and 1936, the Lions won the single Tests on each tour, and in 1927, they ran out 4-0 winners in the Test series.
It was nearly 70 years before they met again, at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, where the Lions required a last play penalty kick from Johnny Wilkinson to salvage a 25-25 draw with the Pumas.
Argentina's star man that day, Felipe Contepomi, is now their head coach, and he will be looking to go one better on his return to the Irish capital, where he starred with Leinster in the 2000s.
MORE: Full TV and streaming details for Lions vs Argentina
How to watch the Lions vs. Argentina
- Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Time: 8:00 p.m. BST
- TV/Streaming: Sky Sports Main Event