A tougher challenge awaits the British & Irish Lions when their anticipated Test series against Australia begins at this stadium in just over two weeks. The Queensland Reds showed glimpses of promise in the opening half but were ultimately outmatched by a visiting side that grew stronger as the game progressed.
The Lions had moments of inconsistency, still working to establish the crucial cohesion needed at this level. Yet, under the leadership of Maro Itoje, who led by example, they managed to score eight tries—two of which came from his England teammate Tommy Freeman.
Considering the difficulties of travel and the squad’s second-half adjustments after Elliot Daly left the field with an arm injury, the performance was commendable. Daly, who had been a late replacement for the ill Hugo Keenan, will hopefully avoid a lengthy absence.
Encouragingly, the new half-back partnership between Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell showed promise. Both players displayed sharp decision-making, appearing to understand each other well.
Jack Conan and Ollie Chessum worked tirelessly, while Jac Morgan and Huw Jones added tries in the second half. Their efforts will no doubt be weighed when selections are made for the first Test.
The weather in Brisbane was unseasonably cool and windy, though the stadium’s high stands shielded much of it. The early stages were messy, with the Lions lacking precision. The Reds capitalized, pressing forward before prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen powered over for a try.
Defensive issues plagued the Lions early on, compounded by two scrum penalties favoring the Reds. A turnover by Itoje led to a scoring opportunity, with Daly assisting Freeman for a try on the right wing.
However, Duhan Van der Merwe struggled on the opposite flank, nearly mishandling a cross-kick near his own line. Soon after, he was caught flat-footed as Josh Flook pounced on a loose ball to put the Reds back in front.
The Lions responded, with Ronan Kelleher’s quick penalty leading to Andrew Porter grounding the ball. Van der Merwe redeemed himself shortly after, finishing strongly in the corner following slick offloads from Chessum and Conan.
Despite holding a 21-12 lead at halftime, the Lions had self-inflicted obstacles to overcome.
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