- Find out which tryscorers flattered to deceive with sloppy all-round displays, the front-runners for Test spots whose cases are more shaky and who shone
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The British & Irish Lions made it two from two Down Under as they roared back from an early wobble to run in eight tries against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.
Andy Farrell would have been disappointed with his side’s start as they let in two early tries to the Super Rugby franchise hosts, but they were much improved after half-time to ensure there was no chance of an upset. England winger Tommy Freeman scored two tries, while Andrew Porter, Duhan van der Merwe, captain Maro Itoje, Jac Morgan, Huw Jones and Garry Ringrose also touched down to complete a convincing victory.
All eyes will now turn to Sydney on Saturday, when the Lions face the Waratahs – and Farrell will have to hope the second-half rout was a sign of things to come as he nails down his best starting XV for the Tests, which start in two and a half weeks.
One major concern is at full-back, with Hugo Keenan withdrawing moments before kick-off with illness and his replacement Elliot Daly had to come off on 67 minutes after suffering a knock in a brutal collision in the second half.
The Lions’ likely first-choice 15 is Blair Kinghorn, but the Scot has only just joined up with the group after finishing his Top14 season with Toulouse, while Marcus Smith is the only other option but remains inexperienced in that position.
Mail Sport’s NIK SIMON was at Suncorp Stadium to run the rule over the Lions players – this is who impressed, who is pushing for a Test spot and who still has work to do.
1. Andrew Porter (Ire) – 6/10
Scored a try from close range but was penalised for boring in at the scrum. Ellis Genge remains the front-runner for the Test journey.
2. Ronan Kelleher (Ire) – 5/10
Had a couple of lineouts pinched as the set-piece struggled. Fumbled the ball in a promising attacking position as his Test hopes slipped.
3. Will Stuart (Eng) – 5/10
Came into the Lions tour on fine form but this was one of his sloppiest performances for a while. Missed a tackle, dropped the ball and conceded penalties.
4. Maro Itoje (Eng, capt) – 9/10
This was one of the captain’s hallmark performances. A nuisance in defence, forcing spilt balls and messy rucks. Led from the front with his usual intensity.
5. Ollie Chessum (Eng) – 7/10
Always brings gritty physicality in the tight battles. Expect to see him given a run in the No 6 jersey as the Lions try to boost their lineout with three jumpers.
6. Tom Curry (Eng) – 6/10
Came into the tour as a front-runner to start in the Tests but missed a couple of tackles in one of quieter performances. But usually brings his best displays when the heat is on.
7. Jac Morgan (Wal) – 8/10
Showed the never-say-die approach he brings to a Wales team that have not won since 2023. Hit rucks, made 20 tackles and scored a try to remain in Test contention.
8. Jack Conan (Ire) – 7/10
Showed fluid passing that is a hallmark of Leinster and Ireland’s attack. Hesitated under a botched kick-off but made more carries than anyone else in the team.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ire) – 8/10
Kept the attack ticking with his sharpness around the base of the ruck. Sniped from the base to build momentum and always found his No 10. The in-form No 9 in world rugby.
10. Finn Russell (Sco) – 8/10
Showcased his vast range of passes to ensure the ball reached his wingers. Seamlessly linked up with Gibson-Park for a Test-ready half-back partnership. Wrap him in cotton wool until the Tests.
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Sco) – 5/10
Exposed by probing kicks, as he was caught flat-footed for the Reds’ second try. Size advantage of his opposite man bailed him out of trouble on a disappointing night for the big man.
12. Bundee Aki (Ire) – 6/10
Held up at back of a maul in the first half. Stamped his authority on the game when he began to run harder and more direct in the second half.
13. Huw Jones (Sco) – 6/10
More effective when he plays with his midfield partner Sione Tuipulotu. Showed his pace to score from a charge down but more likely to be deployed in a Scottish combination.
14. Tommy Freeman (Eng) – 8/10
The right wing berth is one of the hardest selections in the backline. Freeman scored twice and won his aerial duels, following Mack Hansen’s robust display in Perth.
15. Elliot Daly (Eng) – 7/10
A cruel twist as he ended the match with ice on his wrist. One of the silkiest performers of the tour so far but his impressive charge for the Test squad could now be in doubt.
