AnySelected

The British & Irish Lions continued their Australian tour with a resounding victory over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, extending their lead to 2-0. Dylan Pietsch breaks down five crucial observations from the match, highlighting the Lions’ strengths and areas where the Reds struggled. This game served as a powerful statement of intent from Warren Gatland’s squad as they prepare for the Test series against the Wallabies.

1. Lions' Forwards Dominate the Set Piece

From the opening scrum, the Lions’ forward pack asserted their dominance. They consistently won penalties and disrupted the Reds’ attacking platform. This set-piece superiority provided a crucial foundation for their expansive play and made life incredibly difficult for the Reds to build momentum. The Reds' scrum struggled to cope with the Lions' power and precision, a factor that significantly impacted their overall performance.

2. Pollard's Kicking Game a Major Weapon

Fly-half Handre Pollard was instrumental in the Lions’ victory, showcasing his exceptional kicking skills. His accurate goal-kicking kept the scoreboard ticking over, and his tactical kicking placed the Reds under constant pressure. The ability to consistently gain territory through accurate kicking is a vital attribute in tour matches, and Pollard demonstrated it beautifully. It's a clear indication that the Lions have a reliable kicking game to rely on throughout the tour.

3. Reds' Attack Lacked Spark

While the Reds showed flashes of brilliance, their attack ultimately lacked the consistency and spark needed to challenge the Lions’ defence. They struggled to break down the Lions’ organised defensive line and often resorted to aimless kicks. A lack of cohesion and creativity in the backline contributed to their inability to generate scoring opportunities. Addressing this attacking inefficiency will be crucial for the Reds if they hope to challenge the Wallabies in the upcoming weeks.

4. Lions' Defence Remains Tight

The Lions’ defensive performance was another key factor in their victory. They were well-organised, disciplined, and relentless in their tackling. The Reds found it difficult to penetrate the Lions’ defensive line, and turnovers were few and far between. This defensive solidity is a hallmark of successful Lions tours and bodes well for the Test series.

5. Opportunities for Emerging Players

The tour game provided valuable opportunities for emerging Lions players to showcase their talent. Several players seized the chance to impress, demonstrating their readiness for the Test stage. These performances will put pressure on established players and give Gatland some tough selection decisions to make as the tour progresses. The depth of the Lions squad is clearly a significant asset.

The Lions’ victory over the Reds was a statement of intent, demonstrating their strength and depth. While the Reds will be disappointed with their performance, they can learn valuable lessons from this encounter. The focus now shifts to the next tour game, with the Lions aiming to maintain their momentum and build towards the highly anticipated Test series against the Wallabies.