By Iain Payten
But a strong opening win over the Western Force at the weekend, and particularly a dominant victory over the Queensland Reds on Wednesday, has shown the Lions are already close to full stride. And if they’re not … please consult the above line about worry.
The Force defeat was no huge shock, but the Lions’ demolition of the Reds – one of Australia’s stronger Super Rugby sides – was bracing.
After a strong opening half-hour that gave a 46,000-strong crowd the sniff of an upset, the Lions settled into their business, smothered the Reds and scored 45 unanswered points.
Even with coach Andy Farrell mostly avoiding reliance on national combinations, as most predicted he would, the Lions have overcome clunky starts and looked as cohesive as a settled Test team.