Andy Farrell has urged his British and Irish Lions team to "learn and respond" from their defeat to Argentina in their 2025 Tour opener last week. 

Farrell watched on as his team were beaten 28-24 by the Pumas in Dublin, who claimed their first victory against the Lions in eight matches against them. 

Following that defeat, the Lions travelled to Australia as they prepared for the first of five matches ahead of their first Test against the Wallabies on July 19. 

They start against Western Force this Saturday, with Farrell hoping for an improved performance to build momentum within the group. 

"We'll see on Saturday how we respond. The guys that are taking the field this week are a little bit fortunate in the sense they understand how we want to get better," Farrell said.

"They've got to take responsibility for that, and grab hold of their chance of taking this team forward.

"I'm disappointed to lose any game, I hate losing, so does everyone else, that is why they're in this position in the first place.

"There were plenty of positives to go with that, so it's about taking the learnings, keep pushing forward right up until that first Test.

Farrell was also able to provide an update on Ireland duo Hugo Keenan and Jamison Gibson-Park, who missed Leinster's victory in the United Rugby Championship (URC) final with respective injury issues. 

They were still selected for the Lions, and Farrell is hopeful of having them back next week, saying: "They are very well. All being well, they should be fit for the Reds game."

Our team for Saturday night's Tour opener in Perth! #Lions2025

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 26, 2025

Farrell made 13 changes to the side that lost to Argentina ahead of facing Western Force, with Dan Sheehan captaining the side on his Lions debut. 

Just two players - Sione Tuipulotu and Tadhg Beirne - remain from the starting XV that faced Argentina. 

Several players who joined up with the squad late after playing in the URC and Premiership finals will make their first appearance of the year.

Finn Russell, who won the Premiership final with Bath, gets his chance to impress Farrell while Henry Pollock, the youngest member of the Lions squad, is also starting. 

Farrell said he is keen to get a look at this second crop of players. 

"Of course, it lends its hand doesn't it to the way that the season finished and where players are at and trying to get people up to speed as quick as we can," Farrell added. 

"A lot of people get their opportunity to not just play the first game on tour but as well I think nine of them get to play for the Lions for the first time."