Rugby fans are in for a thrilling midweek encounter as the Queensland Reds take on the British & Irish Lions on Wednesday, July 2, at the iconic Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. This fixture marks the second match of the Lions’ 2025 tour of Australia and promises a clash of physicality, pace, and pride.
Match Details
Fixture: Queensland Reds vs British & Irish Lions
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM AEST (11:00 AM BST)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (Capacity: 52,500)
Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), Stan Sport (Australia)
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Lions: Sweeping Changes, Same Intent
Head coach Andy Farrell has rung the changes for this second tour match, making 14 adjustments from their 54–7 demolition of the Western Force last week. The only player retained in the starting XV is Finn Russell, who starts at fly-half and links up with debutant scrum-half Jamison Gibson‑Park—a pairing that promises creativity and tempo.
女 Key Lions Starters:
Captain: Maro Itoje (Lock)
Fly-Half: Finn Russell
Scrum-Half: Jamison Gibson‑Park
Fullback: Hugo Keenan
Back Row: Jack Conan (debut), Sam Underhill, and Alfie Barbeary
Farrell’s rotation strategy appears focused on spreading game time while testing different combinations ahead of the three-Test series against the Wallabies.
Reds: Home Pride and Wallaby Steel
The Queensland Reds have named a powerful side with nine current or former Wallabies and two ex-All Blacks, looking to bring physicality and structure to disrupt the Lions’ game plan. Captain Jock Campbell will be a key figure at the back, supported by standout forwards and savvy playmakers in the halves.
Reds Players to Watch:
Jock Campbell (Captain & Fullback) – reliable under the high ball
Fraser McReight (Flanker) – defensive engine
Lawson Creighton (Fly-half) – in charge of tactical kicking
Tate McDermott (Scrum-half) – experience and spark from the base
The Reds, though underdogs, will count on home advantage and strong forward play to challenge the Lions early.
