Itoje: It's only the start

THE British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje brushed off Friday’s defeat against Argentina in Dublin, saying his side will “live, learn and get better”.

The Lions were outplayed in the first half and, after a second half resurgence, went down 28-24.

Bundee Aki and Tadhg Beirne both went over the Pumas line and the Lions were also awarded a penalty try but the visitors replied with three tries of their own including one for fly-half Tomas Albornoz who finished with 18 points.

It was the first opening tour match loss since 1971 but there was much to build on as the team set off for their three-Test tour of Australia.

The Lions, who come together every four years as a team drawn from the best players in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, chose to play Argentina, ranked fifth in the world rather than a scratch team like the Barbarians to give themselves a stern test ahead of Australia.

Itoje said: “Argentina showed us where we are lacking.

“I am happy we had a hard-fought game. We live and learn. This is only match one.”