British & Irish Lions vs Queensland Reds live: Latest score and updates – UK Times

The sloppy start from the Lions continues. They try to execute a play from the goalline dropout in a very Ireland-esque pattern, but Bundee Aki coughs up the ball.

Over the maul rumbles…held up! Superb defence from the Reds, just about getting bodies beneath the maul to prevent it being grounded.

The Lions win back the restart and go on the hunt for a quick response. A penalty affords them a prod to the corner.

And there is the opening score! The Lions just couldn’t combat the Reds forwards as they clattered around the corner, and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen provides the telling biff as he bashes away fellow former Wasp Elliot Daly. A great start from the hosts with the conversion simple.

A first glimpse of what the Reds can do in possession, Tim Ryan roaming off his wing effectively before Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Hunter Paisami interchange well. Into the Lions 22 they rumble.

Pure power! A great carry from Joe Brial, thundering through a couple of Lions like a locomotive.

Maro Itoje again puts pressure on the lineout of the hosts, though the Reds do manage to just about cling on to the pill. The ball thereafter is slow, though, forcing Kalani Thomas to the air.

Tommy Freeman claims superbly, but his handling is imprecise as he comes to floor. A slightly sloppy start in parts from the tourists.

This scrum battle could be fun tonight, Will Stuart perhaps in pole position for the tighthead shirt with Tadhg Furlong not quite at his brilliant best so far yet up against fine opposition in Aidan Ross, recruited from the Super Rugby champion Chiefs ahead of this game. The Lions get a nudge on but are penalised for their angle – Stuart shoots a questioning look the officials having seemingly been the man pinged.

The Lions’ lineout is a messy enough thing but Maro Itoje is sharp of thought and hand to pick up the pieces. A neat toss to Tom Curry gets the momentum building.

It’s a strong stand from the Reds, though, after those initial inroads, forcing a fumble on the floor from Jamison Gibson-Park over some ruck detritus.

And, by contrast, that’s a wretched start from the Reds. Matt Faessler’s dart hits Joe Brial at the tail but scrum half Kalani Thomas knocks on the transfer – and an offside teammate concedes a penalty. Down towards the 22 Finn Russell boots the Lions.

There were real problems with the restarts for the Lions on Saturday but their first exit tonight is rather better, a comfortable take followed by a decent boxed clearance from Jamison Gibson-Park.