Reds player Ed O’Donoghue (left) and Lions player Tommy Bowe contest a high ball during the second Australian tour match of the British and Irish Lions against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
THAT was much more like it. A cracking match, billed rightly so as the ‘fourth Test’, with both the Queensland Reds and British Lions providing a contest to savour. Plenty of skill, pace, power and passion were on display but crucially both the Wallabies and Lions would have got so much out of it.
The way the Reds started will have greatly heartened Robbie Deans. The Lions could barely hold on such was the pace of the game. If one thinks of the likes of the now recalled Kurtley Beale, James O’Connor and Will Genia playing at that intensity then the Lions will be in trouble.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that Warren Gatland has and will continue to pick size in every position, so moving these juggernauts around could be the way to unlock the Lions team.
However, look at it from the Lions’ point of view. They hit hard, very hard at times given the extensive casualty ward of the Queensland dressing after post the game. They were aggressive in defence and such is the power they have at their disposal, it will take an enormous effort from James Horwill and his men to live with the Lions for 80 minutes, particularly at scrum time where Adam Jones, the increasingly impressive Mako Vunipola and Richard Hibbard were dominant.
An efficient line-out led by beanpole Richard Gray and Geoff Parling, meant the set-pieces were working very smoothly.
Out wide George North was immense and opportunities were created. This was the kind of test the Lions needed as the first clash with the Wallabies comes tantalising into view.
So as the tour heads towards Sydney some of the Lions’ Test places are becoming clearer, which is great news for Gatland. Cuthbert, Halfpenny and North are certainties as the back three with Brian O’Driscoll assured of one centre spot. That leaves an opening for either Jamie Roberts or Manu Tuilagi. Not a bad selection headache to have.
Tuilagi has not been all about running through men. A deft back of the hand pass for the second of O’Driscoll’s tries in Perth last week proved that. Roberts was arguably man of the match in the Barbarians game and is purring along nicely as well.
Johnny Sexton will be the fly half with the feisty Mike Phillips most likely at scrum half. Although Ben Youngs did his chances of selection no harm at all with an efficient display at Ballymore.
One would think Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard, Paul O’Connell, Jamie Heaslip are all picked in the pack but this is where places are up for grabs. Vunipola has taken his chance and must be close while Justin Tipuric and Sean O’Brien are putting pressure on Sam Warburton.
It is all to play for as the Lions rumble into Sydney for the Waratahs this Saturday. Don’t rule out the replacements as well, Alex Corbisiero is an excellent loose head and could well force his way into the Test team in time for Brisbane.
Robbie Deans will have seen the impact the Reds made on the Lions and Warren Gatland will be delighted that the Lions have got through a tough match with flying colours. Bring on the Test series.
[ Source: Australian Times ]