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.
» Click here to read the full match report
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).
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Spot on.
RobC
Roar Guru
Just happened, right wing kick chase from QC chip. 7 points!
RobC
Roar Guru
Queensland PR: West v Souths on now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poB3OeRx-4U
RobC
Roar Guru
STO will like that Hazzaaaaaaaaaaaa!
RobC
Roar Guru
yes BB. LIons missed some sitters in 1H eg the first left side LO in the Reds 5m
RobC
Roar Guru
Yep. Too hot for golf even
jeznez
Roar Guru
Awesome! Congrats to the Reds and their fans. Brilliant!
riddler
Guest
mate 4 wins now.. that is more like 4 months of celebrations for me... this team has some very strong foundations being built... i am excited about the future of a few of these young lads.. let's hope we can keep them together for a few seasons..
RobC
Roar Guru
Celebrate for a month riddler! I will
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks RT! See ya Monday mate
Harry Jones
Expert
Brilliant win by Reds Good teams should win at home in this comp Here’s hoping SR can grow into that: a comp where away wins are rare
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
They do manage to lose games at the end. But Nobes is a tipping genius and betting against his own team with momentum on his side’s side deserves a happy ending for him (not in the massage sense).
Fionn
Guest
You would say that as a Crusaders fan - wanting to avoid the commentator's curse ?
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Anything’s possible, mate. The Blues are up against the Jaguars.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
If Australia prioritized Union alot more like Nz by putting much more money in it and having the best NRL talent they would be alot more competitive
hello
Guest
Apex is a service club like rotary for younger people started in aus in the 30's. Has spread into Asia :). Have got a lot of friends in Malaysia through it in Klang, kl, panang, malaka mainly. Love the country but a bit humid for me to pull on a pair of boots there. Give me the fry heat of Western qld
riddler
Guest
cheers tman! mate i think our game could be where we break our hoodoo... going to be tasty!!
Fionn
Guest
Hahaha, they might need a few new ones for next year, that's for sure. I'm not looking forward to the funeral tonight..
riddler
Guest
cheers rt!! sorry about your multi mate.. small price to play to see my fat face smiling!!
rebel
Guest
Congrats to the reds and their fans. They deserve that win.