Roar Guru
The Queensland Reds have snapped a four-game losing streak, hanging on after a fast start to beat South Africa’s Lions 27-22 in Brisbane.
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Final score
Reds 27
Lions 22
The Reds host the Lions at Suncorp Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 3:05pm (AEST).
On the surface, this is a clash between two rookie Super Rugby coaches. In reality, the Brad Thorn’s coaching tenure is a flicker compared to the Lions’ Swys de Bruin, who has been a coach since 1996.
Even more telling is the experiences of the players. Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has led his team to two Super Rugby grand finals, while Reds playmaker Hamish Stewart celebrated his 20th birthday last month.
Malcolm Marx is one of the best footballers in the world and is playing out of his skin. His challenger is 22-year-old Brandon Paenga-Amosa. While Marx is only one year older, he has around 50 more Super Rugby caps and 15 more Test caps than Paenga-Amosa.
The Lions have won their last three games against the Reds, including a 44-14 victory in their last meeting – the biggest win in the history of the fixture.
The visitors’ main advantages are a consistent set piece and defence, as well as a diverse and potent array of point-scoring abilities.
But there is hope for the Queenslanders. Theirs is a young and enthusiastic team, with strong forwards and fast backs.
Prediction
The bookies are offering $4.75 for a Reds win, which is hard to argue against, considering the condition of their set piece, defence and narrow attack.
Lions to win.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 3:05pm (AEST).