British and Irish Lions: Chris Ashton on style of play & Test XV

The British and Irish Lions would benefit from “stripping things back” and adopting a more simple style of play, says former England wing Chris Ashton.

The Lions made nine unforced errors in their unconvincing 21-10 win against New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday.

Head coach Andy Farrell has yet to fully integrate the attacking system of complex pre-rehearsed moves that has been so successful with Ireland.

“It was rubbish. If that was their first game, OK,” Ashton told the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly, after the 2025 Lions’ fourth match.

“Why have the Lions not stripped things back? There were so many changes and so many games, why not just go really simple against the Waratahs.

“Then it gives people more of a chance to show off their X-Factor and bring their personality to the game. Instead of all these intricate plays. There isn’t time for it.”

Farrell, who won back-to-back Six Nations titles playing in this style with Ireland, included 15 Irishmen in his initial touring squad.

However handling errors continue to haunt the Lions’ attack – and even the Ireland players who know Farrell’s system have struggled to gel alongside their new team-mates from other nations.

Former Wales coach Warren Gatland led the last winning Lions tour in 2013 and with the series poised at 1-1, started 10 Wales players in the deciding Test.

“Gatland played it simple and had a big Welsh contingent that he coached and trusted,” said Ashton, who narrowly missed out on selection for that tour.

“It seems now that would be easier to implement, as you have a relationship and gameplan that is flowing.

“I just wonder now what they will do on Wednesday against the Brumbies,” added Ashton about the match that is 10 days before the first Test.