
Andy Farrell plays down full-back concerns as Elliot Daly faces X-ray on forearm
Head coach Andy Farrell denied the Lions are facing problems at full-back despite the doubt that now hovers over Daly's ongoing participation in the tour.
Advertisement
Daly made a remarkable 11th successive appearance in a Lions matchday 23 after being drafted in as a late replacement for Huge Keenan, who was ruled out by illness shortly before kick-off.
The England star and veteran of three Lions tours was on song again for Farrell's men, only to be left clutching his left arm in agony after making a tackle on Jock Campbell and, after playing on, he left the field in the 67th minute.
'Elliot's got a bang on the forearm and he's going for an X-ray this evening (Wednesday). We've all got our fingers crossed for him,' Farrell said.
'He's been back to his good old self. We've seen him do that on these tours before and he's certainly the type of character that loves touring. He's a people person.
Advertisement
'I phoned him up today. He'd just come out of the gym, had done a tough old session, and I said to him, 'How was the gym session?' He says, 'Good, yeah, we trained hard'.
Tommy Freeman scores a try in Brisbane (Pat Hoelscher/AP)
'I said, 'Well done, you've won the golden ticket, you're playing this evening'. He was not phased at all and that's the type of characters that you need on tours like this.'
Daly's injury, Keenan's withdrawal and the fact Blair Kinghorn only arrived into Lions camp on Monday paints a picture of dwindling options in the number 15 jersey, but Farrell is comfortable with who he has available.
'We've loads of full-backs. Hugo will be OK tomorrow (Thursday) or the next day and Blair's ready to go,' he said.
Advertisement
Jac Morgan was named man of the match after showing huge appetite to tackle, carry and battle on the floor, but it was captain Maro Itoje who made the biggest impact at Suncorp Stadium.
The England skipper was magnificent across the field and decorated his night's work with a well-taken try.
Maro Itoje is tackled defender during the Lions' game against the Queensland Reds (Pat Hoelscher/AP)
With the Test series two and a half weeks away, it was a reassuring 80 minutes from Itoje, who was singled out for praise by Farrell. After Joe McCarthy starred against the Western Force on Saturday, he knew he had to deliver.
'The whole point of these tours is you're with great players and you see great players performing well. That gives you extra motivation to perform well,' Itoje said.
Advertisement
'Despite my role as captain, I know that if I'm not playing well then it doesn't matter if I'm captain or not, I won't be in the team, so I need to make sure that my performance is where it needs to be.
'I want everyone to play well, all of my team-mates. Our job as players is one, to work together, and that's really important, and two, to make all the coaches' jobs as hard as possible when it comes to picking the team.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Leader Live
32 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Lions call up Owen Farrell to replace the injured Elliot Daly
The Lions are reeling from the news that Daly, one of their form players Down Under, will miss the rest of the tour after sustaining a fractured forearm in Wednesday's 52-12 victory over Queensland Reds. Rather than replacing the versatile England star with a similar alternative such as Wales' Blair Murray or Scotland's Tom Jordan, head coach Andy Farrell has turned to his 33-year-old son to fill the gap in his squad. All set for his fourth Lions Tour, Owen Farrell will join the squad in Sydney! 🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 3, 2025 It is a controversial decision given Farrell's most recent Test appearance was in the bronze medal match at the 2023 World Cup, while his ill-fated 2024-25 season with French club Racing 92 was undermined by injuries and indifferent form. 'It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot's tour is over,' Andy Farrell said. 'He's a Lions legend who has added so much to the group on and off the field over the past few weeks and over the course of three tours. 'Owen will now come in and add to our options and bring his own Lions experience to the group.' Farrell will arrive into Sydney on Friday, bringing with him the experience accumulated during 112 caps for England, whom he captained from 2018 to 2023. He will be embarking on his fourth Lions tour having made six Test appearances across the 2013, 2017 and 2021 expeditions and will bring leadership, experience and organisation. 🤕 Elliot Daly has been ruled out of the Lions tour with a forearm injury. 🇦🇺 Owen Farrell will replace him in the touring squad. Full story 👇#YourSaracens💫 — Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) July 3, 2025 Saturday's clash with New South Wales Waratahs has come too soon and the third match in Australia will see Ireland's Tadhg Beirne take charge. Blair Kinghorn and Hugo Keenan will make their Lions debuts on the left wing and at full-back respectively. Kinghorn joined up with the Lions for the first time on Monday having helped Toulouse win the Top 14 final on Saturday while Keenan was forced to withdraw from the team to face the Reds because of illness. In a sad twist of fate, Daly was parachuted in at full-back from outside the matchday 23 at Suncorp Stadium and subsequently broke his arm, ending his tour. Henry Pollock is given his second start Down Under, this time at blindside flanker, while his Northampton team-mates Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith form the half-backs.


BBC News
32 minutes ago
- BBC News
Hall 'feeling really good' ahead of first Open
Cornwall's Harry Hall says he is in excellent form after qualifying for The 27-year-old finished second in the qualifying tournament at Burnham and Berrow earlier this week to reach The Open for the first West Cornwall Golf Club player, who plays on the PGA Tour in the United States, finished a shot off the lead in eight-under-par to clinch one of five places at Royal Portrush later this month. It will be his third appearance in a major after finishing 19th at this year's USPGA Championship having also played at the 2022 US Open. "I feel really good right now," Hall told BBC Radio Cornwall."I'm hitting the ball where I want to and I'm doing all the right things."So hopefully I can prove that next week at the Scottish Open and then hopefully in The Open." Hall got his first and, so far only, tour win a year ago at the Isco Championship and has had four top 10 finishes this year, making the cut in 16 of his 19 events and is 46th on the PGA rankings. He says the result at Burnham and Berrow came after a strong start where he shot two rounds of 67."I played really nice. I started off strong in the morning, I shot six under on the front [nine holes] and thought it was going to be a breeze, and then in the middle of the round I didn't play so good," he said."But I had a good attitude all day and was able to finish strong on Tuesday afternoon on the last few holes and got to eight under and I knew that would be enough."Camborne-born Hall turned professional in 2019 having come through the United States' college system with the University of Nevada-Las he has finished in the top 20 in five of his last six tournaments in the United States, he says the support he gets from those who know him from the West Cornwall Golf Club has been invaluable - especially during qualifying earlier this week."The amount of support I had on Tuesday from West Cornwall members and a lot of the South West, just coming up to watch me on Tuesday was awesome," he said."I reckon there were 400 people maybe walking around the course on Tuesday so it was really cool to have that support and hopefully I can have as much as possible in a couple of weeks' time."The Open Championship takes place at Portrush in Northern Ireland from 17-20 July.


Telegraph
32 minutes ago
- Telegraph
SunGod Forty2s running sunglasses review: Now I understand why the pros wear them
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. What are the SunGod Forty2s? The SunGod Forty2s running sunglasses are surging in popularity, boosted by athletes endorsement at major events. British brand SunGod designed the Forty2s as a refined alternative to bulkier sports eyewear, great for Parkruns or marathons. At £110, they're more affordable than luxury rivals, yet pricier than basic sports shades, making them a compelling mid-market option. Key features include SunGod's advanced 8KO nylon lenses, providing up to 70 per cent greater clarity than standard polycarbonate and complete UVA/UVB protection. Frames crafted from recycled materials appeal to eco-conscious buyers. The Forty2s offer a secure, zero-bounce fit with hydrophilic nose grips that tighten as you sweat, plus ergonomic ear socks and built-in airflow vents to prevent fogging. Innovative pop-lock hinges enhance durability, while interchangeable nose pads allow customisation. With their smart design combining performance and style, the SunGod Forty2s are a standout choice for runners seeking both quality and practicality. JUMP TO: How we test running sunglasses I put the SunGod Forty2s through real world testing to see how they performed in everyday running conditions. First, I assessed fit and comfort over varied routes including sprints, long runs and hill sessions, noting if the sunglasses stayed secure or needed adjustment. The recent UK heatwave provided the right conditions to test the hydrophilic nose grips, special pads that get stickier as sweat increases, and ergonomic ear socks, which securely hold the glasses in place. For durability, I conducted a standard drop test, letting the sunglasses fall from head height onto hard surfaces, mimicking a typical mid-run fumble. Lens clarity was tested under varying lighting conditions, from bright sun light to shady trails, to see how effectively they adapted. Ventilation and fog resistance were assessed during humid and sweaty runs, observing if any misting occurred. After each outing, I carefully placed the glasses back into their protective case, ready for the next test or a quick inspection. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Lens technology Score: 8/10 Although the SunGod Forty2s don't come with polarised lenses, which help cut glare, I never felt at a disadvantage, even in the brightest sunshine. For me, the real magic is in their 8KO lenses, which SunGod say are a high-performance lens technology that gives you clearer, tougher vision than the usual polycarbonate lenses. I found the dark tint on these lenses did a great job blocking 100 per cent of harmful UV rays and really took the edge off the brightness. I never once had to squint or strain to see my surroundings. SunGod insists these glasses are suitable for cycling, hiking, golf and even skiing – and I can see why. If you're like me and want eyewear that's robust and reliable enough to keep up with whatever sport you throw at it, this kind of versatility is exactly what I look for in a pair of sunglasses. Fit and comfort Score: 10/10 When it comes to comfort, a crucial factor for any runner, the SunGod Forty2s are a revelation. At just 28 grams, their featherweight design means I barely noticed them on my face, even after hours on rough trails or steep inclines. The large, moisture-gripping nose pads, which use hydrophilic material to stick better as you sweat, kept the glasses secure and bounce-free, even during the sweatiest workouts. Remarkably, there were no unsightly pressure marks left behind after long runs – a common gripe with other brands. Initially, the arms felt a touch tight, but after a few outings, they relaxed to fit my head snugly without discomfort. The Forty2s also offer interchangeable nose pads (three options included), making them adaptable for a wide range of head shapes and sizes, which is a thoughtful touch for fuss-free, personalised comfort. Durability and impact resistance Score: 9/10 The frame of my SunGod Forty2s is made from 100 per cent recycled TR90 (thermoplastic resin 90, a lightweight, flexible plastic known for being tough and impact-resistant). I gave them a proper drop test: the frame popped off the lenses a bit, but I just snapped it back in place. The scratch-free nylon lenses stayed pristine, even after a few knocks. I'm especially impressed by the pop-lock screwless snap hinges, which keep the arms secure even with rough handling or the occasional clumsy drop. And yes, my running shoes have ended up crushing my glasses before; the Forty2s survived, while regular glasses would have crumbled. SunGod's confidence in its product is obvious as it's backed with a lifetime guarantee. Plus, the recycled frame means I can feel good about my eco-friendly choice, without sacrificing performance. Lens clarity and visual enhancement Score: 10/10 I was genuinely struck by the clarity of the SunGod Forty2s. There wasn't a single run where I struggled to see what was ahead, no matter how bright the sun. SunGod claims its slim, two-millimetre nylon lenses offer up to 70 per cent more clarity than standard options, and that tracks: everything stayed crisp, whether I was in open, sunlit spaces or darting between London's towering buildings and various shadows. Even in woodland, where light levels jump all over the place, the glasses kept my vision sharp and consistent. Honestly, I often forgot I was wearing them, a sure sign that I could see everything clearly all the time. Ventilation and fog resistance Score: 10/10 You might wonder if running sunglasses without anti-fog coating are worth your time. But with the SunGod Forty2s, I never had a single issue with foggy lenses, even when I was dripping sweat in the summer heat. The trick is in the clever little airflow channels (tiny vents near the top of the lenses) that keep air moving and prevent any condensation from building up. My only gripe? The occasional smudge from my own sweaty fingers when I took them off. The nose pads deserve another shout-out: they didn't slip a millimetre, no matter how wet my nose got. All in all, these sunglasses proved that smart design can beat fancy coatings any day, keeping my vision clear and my run frustration-free. Technical specifications Oakley sunglasses, such as the Oakley Radar Plate, are the gold standard in performance eyewear, but aside from the cheaper price, the SunGod Forty2s just about steal the crown for me thanks to their attractive design and all-day comfort. Should you buy the SunGod Forty2s? If you're after running sunglasses that are featherlight, stay put in any weather, and never fog up, the SunGod Forty2s are a standout choice. Their 8KO nylon lenses deliver superb clarity and full UV protection, while the recycled frame and modular design make them both sustainable and customisable for any head shape. With a bounce-free fit, clever airflow and a lifetime guarantee, they're well worth the investment. Yes, if: You want a pair of running sunglasses that allow you to see clearly in varying lights You're after comfort, style and performance No, if: You prefer polarised or coloured lenses You'd rather have smaller lenses SunGod Forty2s running sunglasses FAQs What makes the SunGod Forty2s different from other running sunglasses? The big difference with the SunGod Forty2s is that they tick every box. With ultra-clear 8KO lenses, a lightweight recycled frame, anti-fog ventilation and a secure zero-bounce fit, these won't let you down. Are the SunGod Forty2s comfortable and secure for long runs? Yes, they're ultra-light, weighing just 28 grams, and they have hydrophilic nose pads and secure arms that stay put, even during intense sweat or movement. How is the lens performance and protection? The lenses offer 100 per cent UV protection, they're scratch-resistant and they deliver perfect clarity with little to no glare. Are the Forty2s suitable for all face shapes and sizes? Yes, the Forty2s come with interchangeable nose pads and a flexible frame, so they are adaptable to a wide range of face shapes and sizes. Are the SunGod Forty2s sustainable or eco-friendly? Yes. The SunGod Forty2s are made from recycled materials and they have replaceable parts, which helps to reduce waste and improve their longevity. Are the SunGod Forty2s used by professional athletes? When you put on a pair of SunGod Forty2s, you know you're putting on a pair of sunglasses that are loved by the pros. Mahamed Mahamed, the fastest British finisher at the 2025 London Marathon wore these sunglasses, as did elite runners Anya Culling and Phil Sesemann.