Tommy Freeman scored twice as the British and Irish Lions delivered a commanding 52–12 victory over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Wednesday, making it two wins from two on their Australia tour.
In front of more than 46,000 fans, the Lions turned on the style in the second half, running in five of their eight tries after leading 21–12 at the break. Their win followed a similarly dominant 54–7 performance against Western Force, underlining their ruthless attacking form.
While their offensive play drew the plaudits, the result was built on a rock-solid defensive effort that frustrated the Reds and shut down their attacking channels. The Lions weren’t flawless—ten knock-ons cost them at least two tries—but they were comfortably in control by the final whistle.
Queensland made a bright start. Hunter Paisami tore through the Lions’ line, before Jeffery Toomaga-Allen scored near the posts in the 8th minute, converted by Harry McLaughlin-Phillips for a 7–0 lead.
The Lions responded through slick handling that sent Freeman over out wide, Finn Russell’s conversion making it 7–7. The Reds hit back with a clever grubber from Kalani Thomas to set up Josh Flook, but the missed conversion left it at 12–7.
Irish prop Andrew Porter powered over to reclaim the lead for the Lions, and Russell’s boot made it 14–12. Duhan van der Merwe then crossed in the corner just before the break, Russell slotting a superb sideline conversion to send the tourists in 21–12 ahead.
The Reds needed a strong restart but were stunned when Lions skipper Maro Itoje charged over minutes into the second half. From there, it was one-way traffic. Jac Morgan and Freeman extended the margin, Huw Jones intercepted a chip to race away for the seventh try, and Garry Ringrose added the finishing touch after the siren.
It was a dominant statement from the tourists—strong in attack, tighter in defence, and fast becoming the team to beat.
