Another match between the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday and another 50-point case eased past the Queensland Reds with a 52-12 victory in Brisbane.
We first saw Scrum-half Jamison Gibson Park, but it was unlucky to miss his first game after Hugo Keenan was ruled out due to illness.
– Lions 52-12 Queensland Reds in the UK and Ireland: Tourists soften a comfortable victory
– As it happened: British and Ireland Lions vs Queensland Reds
The show continues on Saturday in Sydney against Waratah in New South Wales, but here are three things we learned from the clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Classes will be displayed at Gibson Park
As halfback partner Fin Russell did in his first match last week, Jamison Gibson Park shows why he is a clear frontrunner to start a Test match. His decisions were great, despite his return from his injury, his passing execution was great, and he looked sharp.
A small thing like his consciousness for the Lions’ third attempt showed why he is considered one of the best in the world.
He appears to have a lot of time and has the awareness and cool head needed for his first test with the Wallabies. Gibson Park – Russell’s combination already looks solid and only grows as you spend more time.
Maro Itoje creates a captain’s knock
As captain of the UK and the Lions, Ito Je is one of two, with perhaps three players guaranteed a test spot. But he always had to produce a big game to show what he was in one of the tour matches and did that in Brisbane. Try 10 carry and 17 tackles.
There’s nothing better than watching your captain rise up and count. His positive interaction with the judge is relieved as he continues to develop his skills.
Jack Morgan from Man of the Match is also worth mentioning, helping to push his authority over the 7th jersey with nine carrys and 21 tackles. The pack is coming really well, but the competition for location is still very intense.
Squad Management becomes more important as the bruising continues
Russell’s wrist Daly and ice injuries, as well as the tour-end-of-tour to Williams, show just how cruel these series are. It’s another short turn for the Lions, who have limited training hours ahead of their clash with Waratah on Saturday.
This is all, but managing players, completing rehabs and reviewing the game quickly will always be important for Farrell as the series is heading for a Test match. This is where Farrell, the exceptional coach who has made Ireland one of the best aspects of the world, really makes him appear in himself.
As the coach understands his strongest XV, there’s more rotation (hopefully Marroyje and Jack Morgan play the entire game with the Reds.