British and Irish Lions show class in second half to see off battling Queensland Reds
The British and Irish Lions overcame their latest challenge in Australia with a big victory in Brisbane to continue their winning start to the 2025 tour but it was another mixed performance from Andy Farrell's latest selection.
There were some real moments of excellence from Maro Itoje's side, not least from the captain himself as the Lions ran in eight tries to two to see off a battling Queensland Reds side coached by former Ireland defence coach and future Wallabies boss Les Kiss.
It was a similar tally against the Western Force, and the Lions again kept their opponents scoreless for three quarters, having conceded twice inside 24 minutes, but their class won out, despite a string of handling errors.
Two tries from wing Tommy Freeman led the scoring for the Lions, who had conceded first through former All Black prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen and then conceded another following the Englishman's opener as Josh Flook touched down.
The Lions had led 21-12 at half-time as Andrew Porter and Duhan van der Merwe scored before the break.
The second half belonged to Farrell's men as Itoje set the tone on 46 minutes, followed by tries from man of the match Jac Morgan, Freeman again, Huw Jones and Garry Ringrose.
Finn Russell kicked four from four conversions with Fin Smith adding another couple from the tee as the Lions clicked more fluently after the interval.
Huw Jones of the Lions scores his side's seventh try despite the attempted tackle from Lachie Anderson of the Queensland Reds. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile
GAME IN 60 SECONDS
Key Moment: Having been matched up physically by the Reds in the opening half, the Lions upped the intensity after half-time and Maro Itoje's try on 45 minutes signalled a deciding shift in momentum as the tourists flexed their muscles.
Talking Point: The Lions' ability to problem solve in game was encouraging but Andy Farrell will be frustrated by a misfiring scrum, continuing handling issues as they head to Sydney for game three on Saturday.
Yet there are clear signs of a potent attacking shape that give hope for Lions supporters that they can be a real force in the test series once the wrinkles can be ironed out.
Test-worthy Performances: Captain Maro Itoje rubbber-stamped his starting place with a commanding performance, while Jack Conan stole a march on his rivals for the No.8 jersey.
Jamison Gibson-Park's first outing alongside Finn Russell clicked instantly as a Test-ready Lions half-back partnership with the Northampton and England pairing of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith also impressive as the back-up nine and 10.
Another Saint, Tommy Freeman's two-try haul intensified his battle on the right wing with Mack Hansen.
Ref Watch: New Zealander James Doleman officiated his second Lions game in a fortnight, having taken charge of the pre-tour Dublin game against Argentina and had the touring front row mystified at times with his decisions at scrum time, yet the Kiwi was authoritative and assured.
Penalties Conceded: Queensland Reds 12 Lions 9
Injuries: The Lions suffered a disruption to their plans ahead of kick-off when full-back Hugo Keenan was ruled out due to illness, replaced by Elliot Daly.
Yet it was Daly's removal on 67 minutes which will be of greater concern, the three-tour veteran's bang on the arm left the versatile and in-form back shaking his head as he trudged off the field.
Next Up: It's onto Sydney on Thursday ahead of Saturday's clash with the Waratahs as the first Test looms ever larger.
The Lions will be back in Brisbane on July 19 to face the Wallabies in the series opener and with Andy Farrell wanting to see further bedding in of his gameplan and a further development of potential Test combinations.
QUEENSLAND REDS: J Campbell – captain; L Anderson, J Flook (I Henry, 53), H Paisami, T Ryan; H McLaughlin-Phillips, K Thomas (L Werchon, 58); A Ross (G Blake, 57), M Faessler (J Nasser, 53), J Toomaga-Allen (S Fa'agase, 57); J Canham (R Smith, 53), L Salakaia-Loto (A Blyth, 53); S Uru, J Bryant, J Brial (C Vest, 63).
LIONS: E Daly (G Ringrose, 67); T Freeman, H Jones, B Aki (B Earl, 67), D van der Merwe; F Russell (F Smith, 51), J Gibson-Park (A Mitchell, 51); A Porter (E Genge, 51), R Kelleher (L Cowan-Dickie, 51), W Stuart (F Bealham, 51); M Itoje – captain, O Chessum (J Ryan, 58); T Curry, J Morgan, J Conan.
Referee: J Doleman (New Zealand)
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