Van der Merwe Hat-Trick Fuels British and Irish Lions' 48-0 Rout in Adelaide

Van der Merwe Shines as Lions Pile On the Points

Adelaide Oval saw a British and Irish Lions side at their absolute best, brushing aside the Australia and New Zealand Invitational XV (AUNZ XV) with a clinical 48-0 victory. The man of the moment? Duhan van der Merwe. The powerhouse winger powered his way over the line three times—bagging a statement-making hat-trick and firing a warning shot just days before the real business against Australia begins.

Van der Merwe was everywhere: slicing through gaps, breaking tackles, and finishing with ruthless efficiency. He was well supported by his fellow backs, who kept the pressure on and stretched the AUNZ XV defense all night. The Lions backline looked sharp, with quick ball movement and clever offloads, making it clear they’re locked in for the challenges ahead.

Lions Show Depth and Cohesion Ahead of Test Showdowns

This wasn’t just about one winger, though. The Lions delivered a full-team masterclass, scoring eight tries thanks to contributions from across the park. Captain Tadhg Beirne led by example with a try of his own. He commanded the pack and controlled the tempo, making his impact felt in every ruck and maul.

Mack Hansen, another standout, added spark with his elusive runs and pinpoint support play. The forwards dominated collisions and set pieces, giving their backs room to operate. Every lineout and scrum seemed to tip in the Lions’ favor, while their defense made sure AUNZ XV barely had a sniff of the try line.

This result didn’t just put points on the board—it sent a message. The Lions looked well-drilled, confident, and unrelenting. For the coaching staff, the clean sheet will feel as satisfying as the eight tries. The squad’s balance of fresh faces and experienced heads seems to be blending nicely at just the right time.

Of course, the real test is just around the corner. The British and Irish Lions now turn their focus to the main event—the first Test against the Wallabies. But after such a one-sided warm-up, confidence is running high and the mood in the camp has to be buoyant. For fans dreaming of a famous Lions victory on Australian soil, this was exactly the kind of night they hoped to see.