Argentina scored two sensational tries to win the 1888 Cup in a scintillating battle against The British & Irish Lions in Dublin. Fly-half Tomas Albornoz’s breakaway score on the brink of half-time and replacement winger Santiago Cordero’s blistering sprint to the corner midway through the second half helped seal a dramatic 28-24 win. The Lions, backed by a raucous Sea of Red, scored three tries through Bundee Aki, a penalty score and Tadhg Beirne, and were impressive at the scrum and dangerous each time they had ball-in-hand, constantly finding holes in the opposition defence, but could not overhaul the Puma’s in a thrilling finale.

Tommy Freeman scored two tries for The British & Irish Lions as the tourists powered their way to a statement victory against Queensland Reds. The Lions cut loose to score eight tries in an emphatic 52-12 victory. Freeman, who started on the right wing, scored one in each half, while Andrew Porter, Duhan van der Merwe, Maro Itoje, Jac Morgan, Huw Jones and Garry Ringrose also crossed. Queensland Reds proved stern opposition in an entertaining first half but were unable to live with the Lions power after the break, with Andy Farrell’s men increasing in confidence throughout.

The Lions scored five tries in a momentum-building win against ACT Brumbies in their penultimate match before the Test series with Australia. They produced a promising performance and scored first-half tries through Ollie Chessum, James Lowe and replacement Marcus Smith – who came on for an injured Blair Kinghorn. Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier added further scores after the break as the Lions pulled clear, while the goal-kicking of Finn Russell proved crucial. The Brumbies scored four tries of their own through Tuaina Taii Tualima, Corey Toole, Hudson Creighton and Liam Bowron.

Andy Farrell gave an expressionless nod of approval as The Lions started their Test campaign with a 27–19 win at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. Job done, but the mission was far from complete. Twelve years ago, they edged a 23–21 thriller at this ground, but this was a more dominant performance, as Finn Russell’s vision and Tom Curry’s all-action display often left the Wallabies searching for answers. However, Joe Schmidt’s team showed greater spirit in a more evenly matched second half, reducing the winning margin to single figures and giving hope for what’s to come in Melbourne and Sydney. Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan all crossed as the Lions machine churned on.

Hugo Keenan etched his name in British & Irish Lions legend with a late try to seal Qatar Airways Lions Men's Series glory in match for the ages in Melbourne. A record crowd for a Lions Test of 90,307 lived and breathed every moment of a match that ebbed and flowed and wasn't decided until the very last second. The Lions trailed 23-5 at one stage but took the lead for the first time in the match when it mattered most, prevailing 29-26 in a titanic clash which represented Test match rugby at its best and purest. Dan Sheehan, Tom Curry, Huw Jones and Tadgh Beirne also crossed to complete one of the most remarkable comebacks in Lions history.