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Thursday 28 September 2023 Dublin: 13°C

# First Test

Last year
2022
France survive heat and first-half examination to beat Japan
The sides were level at 13-13 at half-time.
Picking the Ireland teams for the midweek Māori game and first Test
Andy Farrell has some big calls to confirm next week in New Zealand.
All time
'Next week is going to be even bigger and tougher' - Gatland
The Lions can wrap up a series success in the second Test against the Boks.
Gatland's Lions overcome half-time deficit in brilliant first Test victory
The Boks led 12-3 at the break but the tourists were outstanding in the second half.
Lions and Springboks' clash in Cape Town has the makings of a classic
Warren Gatland’s tourists will need to get out in front in the first half.
Price, Van der Merwe and Conan bolt their way into the Lions' starting Test XV
Warren Gatland has never been afraid to make bold selection calls.
Henshaw, Furlong and Conan start for Gatland's Lions in the first Test
Conor Murray and Tadhg Beirne have been included on the bench.
'It's big boy rugby, isn't it?' - DJ Furlong fired up for the Springboks
The Ireland tighthead prop is relishing the set-piece battle this weekend.
BOD and Roberts' brilliance, The Beast's scrum power, and a narrow Boks win
The Lions very nearly produced a comeback victory against South Africa in their first Test in 2009.
Ireland's winning streak over as Cheika's Wallabies power to Brisbane victory
Joe Schmidt’s team were second best and find themselves 1-0 down in the series.
'People have been trying to say it will make me a better player, but it's hard to look past that'
The omission of Barry McCarthy for Friday’s first Test against Pakistan raised questions over Ireland’s selection policy.
The Lions have earned respect in New Zealand but they're still outsiders
The tour is back in Auckland after a whirlwind three weeks that have seen Warren Gatland’s side grow.
Test team takes shape but a handful of huge calls ahead for Gatland
The Lions’ second row, back row, midfield and left wing selections will be fascinating.
Lions have no doubt that Owen Farrell will be 100% fit for first Test
The England international is set to start at 10 or 12.
With first Test looming, Henshaw and the Dunedin crew must stand out
Warren Gatland will send out the majority of his first Test team on Saturday against the Māori All Blacks.
Analysis: Who did what for Ireland in the rucks against South Africa?
Jack McGrath was superb post-tackle for Ireland, but many others dug in too.
These are the men Ireland will open their Six Nations title defence against
Jacques Brunel has named four uncapped players in his 30-man Italy squad.
What kind of Argentina team will Ireland be facing tomorrow in Chaco?
We’ve examined Los Pumas’ starting side ahead of their clash with Joe Schmidt’s men.
Seven things we want to see from Ireland in the Tests against Argentina
From options at centre to a prayer on the wing. We don’t ask for much.
Kaino returns for All Blacks with three uncapped players named on bench
Steve Hansen has selected an experienced starting XV to face England in the first Test on Saturday.
O'Loughlin slams wayward pros as Australia 'found out' in Cavan
The Australia coach declared he will not compromise on ‘effort and intensity’ ahead of the second test.
Ireland easily overcome Australia to win first test
Paul Earley’s side are in pole position in the International Rules series following their victory this evening.
'Yes we Kanye' for the Lions as North shines as attacking star in Brisbane
The Welsh trio of Cuthbert, North and Halfpenny combined for all 23 of the Lions’ points.
How the Lions rated in their narrow win over the Wallabies
The tourists did just enough to edge a terrific game down under.
Lions v Australia, 2013 Tour
The posturing was over and the Lions were hungry for a win in the series opener for the first time since 2001.
'Nauseating. Terrifying. The pinnacle of your career' -- Former Lions on First Test thrill
David Wallace and Shane Byrne share their experiences of making Lions Test debuts in South Africa and New Zealand.
Breakfast with Lions: Sympathy for Quade and Sean's message for the haters out there
It’s not a proper tour until Simon Zebo sings. Time to get this thing going, so.
Lions presented their Test jerseys ahead of first meeting with Australia
Someone needs to get Jamie Heaslip a belt… quick.
'O'Brien didn't put a foot wrong but has to watch from the stands' -- Shane Byrne
The former Ireland and Lions hooker feels Warren Gatland has made a horses for courses selection in Dan Lydiate.
Beast behind St Patrick's Day massacre says Wallabies are brown bread
Alex Corbisiero has a history of mincing Aussies, just ask Tom Court.
Lions scrumhalf Mike Phillips on shutting down Wallaby wizard Will Genia
“Things seem to tick off him,” remarks the Welshman, who teams up with Jonny Sexton on Saturday.
Heaslip the hero but Murray and O'Brien desperately unlucky to miss Lions cut
The Ireland captain has gone from an original squad outsider to Warren Gatland’s first choice at the back of the pack.
4 Irishmen named in Lions team for First Test with Wallabies
Sam Warburton will captain the side against Australia and is joined in the back row by Jamie Heaslip.
Genia and O'Connor team up as Australia name side for Lions Test
Robbie Deans has named three debutants in a starting XV to be captained by lock James Horwill.
Lions legend Willie John McBride recalls the 1971 Tour to New Zealand
We talk to the great man about his call-up shock in 1962 and defeating the mighty All Blacks in New Zealand.
Flashback: Springbok blitz catches the Lions on the hop in 2009
Paul O’Connell and David Wallace reflect on the lightning quick start made by South Africa in the First Test.
Lions fans unite: Braveheart, dragon, knight and... a leprechaun
We really must think of a more warrior-like national icon to dress up as.
Digby Ioane knee op forces Wallabies rethink on wing
The break-dancer is broken.
Preview: Avoid front row woes and we will run the All Blacks very close
Hopes are high that Ireland can end a 107 year wait to beat the All Blacks but McCaw, Carter and Woodcock are not ones for rolling over.
Sofa supporter: the sport on TV this weekend
Ireland face a crucial Euro 2012 qualifier, the Rabodirect Pro12 begins and the All-Ireland hurling final takes place all in the coming days.