{"id":264571,"date":"2025-07-14T15:37:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T15:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/264571\/"},"modified":"2025-07-14T15:37:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T15:37:12","slug":"chaos-owen-farrell-was-punched-by-team-mate-during-lions-clash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/264571\/","title":{"rendered":"“Chaos” – Owen Farrell was punched by team-mate during Lions clash"},"content":{"rendered":"

Owen Farrell\u2019s return to British & Irish Lions duty wasn\u2019t short of class\u2014but it came with far less chaos than his explosive debut 11 years ago.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 33-year-old made a solid impact off the bench as the Lions romped to a 48-0 win over an Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV, becoming just the fifth man in history to feature on four Lions tours.<\/p>\n

Fittingly, Farrell\u2019s first and fourth tours share some symmetry: both taking place Down Under. In 2013, a fresh-faced 21-year-old Farrell joined Warren Gatland\u2019s squad in Australia, helping secure a 2-1 series win\u2014the Lions\u2019 first in 16 years.<\/p>\n

But not every memory from that tour is one he\u2019ll want to revisit.<\/p>\n

In a warm-up clash against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, Farrell\u2014then starting at fly-half\u2014was caught in a bizarre incident with Saracens teammate Schalk Brits. Holding onto Brits\u2019 shirt at a ruck, the South African hooker responded with a swinging left arm to Farrell\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

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Farrell had to be restrained as he confronted Brits, who was shown a yellow card. Referee Steve Walsh explained:\u00a0\u201cBecause of the nature of the game it\u2019s only a yellow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brits was later suspended for three weeks after a disciplinary hearing, despite originally facing a five-week ban.<\/p>\n

Farrell, who sarcastically applauded Brits as he left the field, later played down the flashpoint:\u00a0\u201cI was trying to hold him into a ruck, and he reacted to that. It all happens in rugby. There\u2019s no dramas there.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added:\u00a0\u201cYou try not to take a backward step\u2026 There was nothing nasty in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brits reflected in 2022:\u00a0\u201cIt wasn\u2019t really [a punch], it was more of a push\u2026 I profusely apologised from day one.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pair went on to win four Premiership titles together\u2014proof that rugby scars don\u2019t always leave lasting wounds.<\/p>\n

Editors Picks:<\/p>\n

Four Lions stars who flopped against AUNZ XV<\/p>\n

While the Lions cruised to a dominant 48-0 victory over the AUNZ XV, not every player impressed. Here are four stars whose performances fell short \u2014 and whose test hopes now look bleak despite the big win.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Duhan van der Merwe scored a hat-trick as the British and Irish Lions ran in eight tries in a rout of the AUNZ Invitational XV in their last game before the first Test against the Wallabies next weekend.<\/p>\n

On an eventful night in Adelaide Owen Farrell came on as a second-half substitute, with news also emerging of a head injury to Garry Ringrose, putting him in danger of missing the match in Brisbane on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Below, we look at four players who failed to impress.<\/p>\n

RUCK\u2019s Lions content is\u00a0powered by\u00a0ISUZU.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

#1. Pierre Schoeman<\/p>\n

Schoeman impressed in open play with strong carries and physicality but struggled at the scrum, conceding multiple free kicks for poor technique. His inconsistency at set-piece remains a key issue as test selection nears.<\/p>\n

FloRugby 4\/10:<\/strong> \u201cGot busy in the loose as he got on the ball for some big rumbles. His shaky work at scrum time is what is holding him back, as he conceded a few free kicks for not driving straight. Schoeman offered solid carries and physicality in open play, but his inconsistency at the set-piece remains a concern as test selection draws nearer.\u201d<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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