The British & Irish Lions begin the Australian leg of their 2025 tour with a clash against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday afternoon (SA time), and we keep an eye on all things betting related updating this article throughout the week.
LINE MOVED WHILE POSTING
Posted June 22 at 12h00
The line moved as I was posting (hate it when that happens) and it is now -19.5 which I still think is a play as I think this may start -23.5.
REVISED BET: 5 units B&I Lions -19.5 at 9/10 at WSB
LIONS WORTH AN EARLY STRIKE
Posted 22 June 11h53
The early handicap for this game is Lions -16.5 and although they failed dismally with a similar handicap against Argentina I think (after some input from The Admiral) that this line will push out.
The Force are going to be missing key players who are in the Wallaby squad and the Lions will have far more depth and quality.
A look back to the 2021 tour to SA shows the Lions won their opening 2 matches 56-14 (against Golden Lions) and 54-7 (against the Sharks) so although the test series is the goal I am expecting them to be ruthless here as players contest for test places.
Weather looks like being cold and clear.
BET: 5 units B&I Lions -16.5 at 9/10 at WSB
Saturday 28 June 2025, 12:00 SAST (18:00 AWST)
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Weather: Click here
The British & Irish Lions will be looking to bounce back quickly from a disappointing start to their 2025 campaign, having suffered a 24–28 defeat to Argentina at a packed Aviva Stadium in Dublin just a week ago.
Despite tries from Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne, and a penalty try, the Lions were undone by a passionate and accurate Argentine team who exploited early tour rust and new combinations.
Now in Australia, the Lions will face a Western Force side that, while finishing in the bottom half of the Super Rugby Pacific table, showed moments of promise throughout the season. The Force will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of rugby’s most iconic touring teams.
The home team are going to be without their International players Donaldson, Williams and Tizzano.
For Lions head coach Andy Farrell, this match is a crucial opportunity to build momentum and assess combinations as the Test series against the Wallabies looms.
Teams will be posted once announced and an early bet will follow.
Betting as at 22 June 11h40
Western Force +16.5 at 9/10
Lions -16.5 at 9/10
All odds correct at the time of posting but subject to change
