Lions crush Reds 52-12: Gibson-Park shines, Itoje leads, key management

The British and Irish Lions crush the Queensland Reds

The British and Irish Lions continued their winning streak on Wednesday, overcoming the Queensland Reds with a resounding 52-12 victory in Brisbane. In this match, scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park could be seen in action for the first time. Hugo Keenan, on the other hand, was unable to participate due to illness.

Gibson-Park shows his class

Like Finn Russell last week, Jamison Gibson-Park is proving why he is a strong contender to start in test matches. His decision-making was excellent, and despite returning from an injury, his passing execution was impeccable and he looked very fit. Small details like his cunning to go for the short side for the Lions’ third try demonstrated why he is considered one of the best in the world. He seems to have a lot of time and possesses the awareness and calm needed for the first test against the Wallabies. The Gibson-Park – Russell combination already looks solid and will only improve as they have more time together.

Maro Itoje leads with authority

As captain of England and the Lions, Itoje is one of the few players whose place in the test team is assured. He needed to deliver a great game to prove his worth, and that’s exactly what he did in Brisbane. Ten runs and 17 tackles, crowned with a try, are numbers that benefit Itoje and the team in general. It’s comforting to see your captain step up and deliver. His positive interactions with the referee will also be reassuring as he develops that skill. Special mention goes to Jac Morgan, chosen as the best player of the match, with nine runs and 21 tackles, which helped him to consolidate his authority in the number 7 position. The team is progressing very well, while the competition for places remains fierce.

Team management becomes crucial on this tough tourDaly’s injury, Russell’s wrist ice, and the injury that ended Williams’ tour have shown how relentless these series are. The short recovery time for the Lions, who will have limited training time before their match against the Waratahs on Saturday, underlines the demand. Managing his players, carrying out rehabilitation, and quickly analyzing matches will become increasingly important for Farrell as the series approaches the test matches. This is where Farrell, an exceptional coach who has turned Ireland into one of the best teams in the world, truly excels. Expect more rotations, with Maro Itoje and Jac Morgan playing the entire match against the Reds, as the coach defines his best XV.