Kiss’ advice for Joe’s Wallabies after Lions crush Reds, Paisami sends coach a reminder


The British and Irish Lions’ emphatic win over the Queensland Reds sent a chilling warning to the Wallabies as the tourists piled on a second 50-point haul in succession.

After stomping the Force, the Lions were expected to have a tougher time against Les Kiss’ team in Brisbane, but roared to an eight try to two win.

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Kiss was asked afterwards if he could pass any lessons on to the Wallabies team he will take over at the end of the year.

His team started fast and scored the first try, but he clearly felt they were too cautious at times.

“You’ve got to make sure to stretch it,” Kiss said.

Tommy Freeman of the British & Irish Lions goes past Tim Ryan to score their first try during the tour match between Queensland Reds and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Tommy Freeman of the British & Irish Lions goes past Tim Ryan to score their first try during the tour match between Queensland Reds and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“Early we did get a bit of puncture and penetration, we did get to the edges of it and turn them around. You’ve just got to make sure you pull that trigger early. 

“You know, one scrum play, I thought we just held it. We possibly go to the edge of it and we maybe bend them back You pull the trigger when it’s on. If you pull the trigger when it’s on, you’re possibly getting behind them.

“They’re a class side, aren’t they? But I am proud of the boys for their first-half effort. I thought Hunter [Paisami] had a good game. Joe Brial showed his wares, that’s for sure.”

Paisami has fallen out of Wallabies reckoning with the rise of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii but should come into the Test frame at some point this season.

Was it a chance to show Joe Schmidt his capabilities after being released from Wallabies camp back to the Reds?

“I was happy to come home, an extra bonus seeing the family as always,” Paisami said as he carried his infant son, Preston.

“No better game than coming here to Suncorp and playing against the Lions, which is a good opportunity and for me it’s just chipping away and doing my best every day. Whatever happens, happens.”

Captain Maro Itoje, who sat out of the opening game in Perth, played all 84 minutes and was magnificent, as was the only Wales player on show, Jac Morgan, who won man of the match honours.

The strength in depth of the Lions was, as James Horwill pointed out, “ominous for the Wallabies”.

“Too much power in the forward pack and too much skill in getting in behind the defence,” summed up Wallabies legend Tim Horan on Stan Sport.

“I thought their defence was outstanding tonight.”

Former Wallaby Michael Hooper agreed.

“Yeah, it was outstanding. They were able to hold the Reds to one pass. Put a lot of pressure on that first pass. They were able just to change their picture of attack.

“They utilised a kicking game. They utilised their power game. I think Andy Farrell and the coaching team would be really happy.

“That is a more complete performance certainly than I thought against the Western Force last week.”

This was a ruthless display, with Itoje driving his team on to score well after the siren to post the half century.

“We’re happy. it was a good all-round performance,” said Itoje.

“The first half was tough. It was heavily contested but we stayed consistent and were just generally better.

“It’s more a high-pressured situation but you learn more in games. It’s a blessing in disguise we have so many games in succession.

“As a team, we just wanted to be better, that’s the mantra, and I think we were.

Maro Itoje of the British & Irish Lions takes on Jock Campbell during the tour match between Queensland Reds and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Maro Itoje of the British & Irish Lions takes on Jock Campbell during the tour match between Queensland Reds and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“We have to be better rugby players. We need to be sharper and more accurate. We broke the line a number of times and not all the time we were accurate enough to score.

“I’m loving being a part of this team. I’m enjoying the challenge and spending time with all these great players that we’ve spent years battling. I’m enjoying the process and long may it continue.”

Morgan made 49 metres from nine carries, had 21 tackles and forced three turnovers.

“It was a good game. It was a very physical game, especially the first half. It was a tough match so it was good to get the win,” said Morgan.

Duhan Van Der Merwe of the British & Irish Lions is tackled during the tour match between Queensland Reds and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Duhan Van Der Merwe of the British & Irish Lions is tackled during the tour match between Queensland Reds and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“It was a full team performance, we spoke about playing for 80 minutes and that is what we did. We kept on building and we will keep on building over the next couple of weeks.

“We will look at the game and then ahead to Sydney.”

Former Lions Dan Biggar told Sky Sports “it was a really positive performance from the Lions.

“It was nowhere near perfect but if you look at the number of metres they made, how strong, fit and physical they looked.

“Fourteen handling errors will still be a concern for Andy Farrell, and that has been a bit of common theme through the three matches so far.

“But the Lions can head to Sydney tomorrow in really good spirits after a good win against a good Reds team.”

One Lion in particularly good spirits was Duhan van der Merwe, who said he was “hoping that we’ll have a couple [of drinks] tonight. To be fair, I think we’re travelling pretty early tomorrow morning.

“I’m pretty scared of Faz [coach Andy Farrell], to be honest. I’ll see what he has to say after the game. But yeah, hopefully I’m allowed a couple!”

Farrell was already looking ahead, but might have to go on without fullback Elliot Daly, who suffered an arm injury.

“It was not flowing. When we got going we did play some good stuff,” said Farrell.

“Our collision work was good and that helped us keep them out in the second half.

“We will always have constant learnings.”

As for Daly, Farrell said the Lions were well stocked to cover for him if injured.

“He’s got a bang on the forearm and he’s going for an X-ray this evening so we’ve all got our fingers crossed,” said the coach.

“I’m not worried, we’ve got loads of full-backs. Hugo Keenan will be ready in a day or so and Blair Kinghorn is good to go.”



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