Lions winners and loser vs Reds

Published on 3 July 2025 at 17:17

Winners

 

Finn Russell

 

Russell has long been the presumed starting fly half on this tour and his performance against the Reds cemented that belief for many. His quick-thinking was shown when he opted to tap-and-go from a penalty with the defence not looking which immediately ended in a try. His range of passing was on full display throughout the fifty minutes he spent on the pitch. 

 

Dan Sheehan

 

Dan Sheehan didn't play on Wednesday but his presence was missed. The line-out was clunky once again and both Kelleher and Cowan-Dickie struggled in open play. They were also both part of front rows which struggled massively in the scrum. Sheehan looks to be the clear starter now. 

 

Jac Morgan

 

Morgan is playing in a position which is packed with quality but he has taken his chance to stand out, The Welshman scored in the first half and was a star throughout the game. He was dominant at the breakdown and a workhorse in defence.

 

Losers

 

Will Stuart

 

Stuart had a couple of good moments in defence but the most important area of the game for props is the scrum - that did not go well. He conceded three scrum penalties in what was his worst performance in over a year. This was a  bad day for Stuart who will surely improve if given more chances.

 

Andrew Porter

 

Porter was a part of the same, underwhelming front row as Stuart and also struggled at the set piece. He was a positive contributor in defence but ceded ground to both Genge and Schoeman. Porter faces a bigger challenge to start than Stuart does so this performance could be much more costly.

 

Bundee Aki

 

Aki didn't have a bad game - in fact he actually had some exhilarating carries through the middle. However, he didn't make enough of a consistent impact to ward off the threat of Tuipulotu who has impressed when given the chance. The addition of Owen Farrell to the squad will also provide more competition to the inside centre spot.

 

 

 

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