by the first quarter, and two scrum penalties further compounded their early struggles.
However,a crucial turnover by Maro Itoje shifted the momentum. Itoje’s intervention set up a platform for Elliot Daly to send Tommy Freeman over for the Lions’ first try, with Finn Russell adding the extras to level the score at 7-7.Despite a subsequent try from Josh Flook restoring the Reds’ lead, the Lions responded effectively. A fast penalty tap by Rónan Kelleher allowed andrew Porter to power over the line,and a well-executed move involving Ollie Chessum and Jack Conan culminated in a try for Duhan Van der Merwe,establishing a 21-12 lead for the Lions at halftime.
Second-Half Surge and Emerging Partnerships
Despite the halftime lead, the Lions acknowledged self-inflicted wounds, including eight knock-ons in the first half. However, the second half saw a notable improvement in execution and a blossoming of key partnerships. The combination of Jamison Gibson-park and Finn Russell at half-back demonstrated considerable potential, with both players exhibiting the ability to anticipate play several phases ahead.
Itoje extended the Lions’ lead with a try early in the second half, expertly set up by gibson-Park. A wave of substitutions followed, with both starting half-backs and the entire front row replaced, but the Lions’ dominance continued unabated. Jac Morgan, Huw Jones, and Freeman (for his second try of the match) all added their names to the scoresheet, while Garry ringrose capped off the performance with a late try, bringing the final tally to 52-12.
Injury Concerns and Farrell’s Optimism
The victory was tempered by an injury to Elliot Daly, who suffered a painful blow to his left arm and was taken to hospital for scans. Head coach Andy Farrell expressed concern for Daly but downplayed the possibility of a crisis at fullback, stating, “We’ve loads of full-backs. Hugo (Keenan) will be OK tomorrow or the next day and Blair (Kinghorn)’s ready to go.”
Farrell was pleased with the team’s reaction after a shaky start and highlighted the increasing competition for places. “I was pretty impressed with most of those players who had a second chance today. That’s exactly what we want to see,a reaction,” he said. He specifically praised Itoje, Morgan, Bundee Aki, and Conan for their strong performances, emphasizing the positive impact of the competitive surroundings within the squad. Farrell concluded, “Time on the pitch is our best friend at the minute… if you can’t get excited about that you’re on the wrong tour.”
Wallabies Face Injury Concerns
From an Australian viewpoint, the news wasn’t all positive. Reports indicate that key wallabies forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini are poised to miss this weekend’s game against Fiji with calf injuries, possibly threatening their participation in the upcoming Test series against the Lions.
Scoring Sequence: 7 mins: Toomaga-Allen try, McLaughlin-Phillips con 7-0; 20: Freeman try, Russell con 7-7; 26: Flook try 12-7; 29: Porter try, Russell con 12-14; van der Merwe try, Russell con 12-21; Half-time 12-21; 45: Itoje try, Russell con 12-28; 57: Morgan try, Smith con 12-35; 60: Freeman try, Smith con 12-42; 66: Jones try 12-47; 85: Ringrose try 12-52
Queensland Reds: J Campbell (capt); L Anderson, J Flook, H Paisami, T Ryan; H McLaughlin-Phillips, K Thomas; A Ross, M Faessler, J Toomaga-Allen; J Canham, L Salakaia-Loto; S Uru, J Bryant, J Brial. Replacements: J Nasser for Faessler (52), I Henry for Anderson, A Blyth for Salakaia-Loto (both 53), L Werchon for thomas, G Blake for Ross, S Fa’agae for Toomaga-Allen, R Smith for Canham (all 59), C Vest for Brial (64).
Lions: E Daly; T Freeman, H Jones, B Aki, D van der Merwe; F Russell, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, R Kelleher, W Stuart; M Itoje (capt), O Chessum; T Curry, J Morgan, J Conan. Replacements: F Smith for Russell,A Mitchell for Gibson-park,E Genge for Porter,L Cowan-Dickie for Kelleher,F Bealham for Stuart (all 51),G Ringrose for Daly,B Earl for Aki (both 67). Referee: J Doleman (New Zealand).
