An emphatic win over Queensland Reds was marred by some concerning scenes in the second half
British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has offered an update on Elliot Daly after the England star was forced off with injury during Wednesday’s win over Queensland Reds.
Farrell’s side ran in eight tries as they blew away the Super Rugby side with a dominant second-half display in Brisbane, with Tommy Freeman scoring a brace of tries and Andrew Porter, Duhan van der Merwe, Maro Itoje, Jac Morgan, Huw Jones and Garry Ringrose all getting on the scoresheet.
The emphatic win marked an encouraging step up in performance for the Lions after their win over the Western Force and defeat to Argentina, with Wales talisman Morgan named player of the match. You can review all the match action here.
However, the victory was marred by concerning scenes later on in the match, as Daly was left clutching his arm in pain after failing to get his shoulder into a tackle.
The England international – who was a late addition to the starting XV after Hugo Keenan pulled out through illness – was tended to by medical staff after the heavy collision shortly after the hour mark.
His discomfort was clear as he was seen wincing in pain, but he was soon back on his feet, seemingly determined to see out the rest of the match. . Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia.
However, just five minutes later, a visibly gutted Daly departed the action, with his reaction as he left the field sparking concern amongst Lions fans.
After the final whistle, Farrell gave an update to Sky Sports as he revealed that the 32-year-old was being sent for an X-ray to determined the extent of the injury.
“He’s pretty sore in there,” said the head coach. “We’ll get him an X-ray.
“It looks like he’s taken a knock to his forearm there, so fingers crossed for him.”
Daly’s future on this year’s Lions tour now hangs in the balance, as a serious injury could force him to follow Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams in flying home from Australia.
Unless Keenan recovers from his bout of illness, Scotland star Blair Kinghorn now looks set to take the No.15 jersey for the Lions’ clash with the Waratahs on Saturday.
Neither he or Keenan have featured for the Lions yet this summer, despite being seen as the frontrunners for the starting full-back spot Down Under.
Quizzed on how his plans for the opening Test against Australia were progressing, Farrell said: “Of course you have thoughts, but again you need to be open-minded enough.
“I think it’s just Hugo and Blair that haven’t played now. I think some lads today were desperate for another crack to get out there again.
“A lot of lads have put their hands up really well and may the competition continue.”
