Tourists likely to get better of Reds

By about 9.0 p.m. Aussie time, or noon Irish time, we should have a clearer idea of what these Lions are about. After the bloodless coups of the previous two outings, the Queensland Reds will provide an altogether stiffer test for the tourists; it is a barometer of the Lions' well-being and also Australia's.

The nucleus of this Lions' side has the appearance of a Test selection. Both the result and the nature of what happens over the 80 minutes should tell us a thing or two and give a clearer indication as to how the rest of the tour will pan out.

It's a massive game for individuals, especially for Rob Henderson, but the collective is far more important and one senses that will be clearer from the kick-off than it was last Tuesday in Townsville.

With Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson also being uncoiled for the first time, it will be hard for the Lions management and potentially disastrous for the tour if it started to go badly today.

The Lions were obliged to withdraw Scott Quinnell yesterday due to some fluid on the knee, promoting Martin Corry to his second start within a week of jetting in from Canada as a replacement for Simon Taylor; Scott Murray takes his place on the bench.

Meanwhile, Lenihan confirmed Phil Greening will be ruled out for another fortnight at least, so his tour will end after this weekend; he will remain on in Sydney to begin his recuperation. Mike Catt again missed training with his back strain.

With Reds captain John Eales ruled out to protect his troublesome achilles tendon, Mark Connors comes into their second row, and 19-year-old Michael Tabrett replaces full back Nathan Williams, who has been axed for his late-night revelry after Tuesday's game along with partner-in-crime Shane Drahm, reserve outhalf to Elton Flatley.

The Lions have never played an Australian Super-12 side. They've played Queensland before, of course, with the hosts managing two wins in a dozen meetings.

Johnson and others have labelled this the unofficial fourth Test, yet with Chris Latham, Ben Tune and Eales ruled out, this increases the likelihood of these hitherto sharp-clawed Lions being too good for their hosts.

Queensland Reds v Lions, (7.30p.m., 10.30a.m. Irish; TV: Sky Sports 2)

QUEENSLAND REDS: M Tabrett; J Pelesasa, D Herbert, S Kefu, D McCallum; E Flatley, S Cordingley; N Stiles, M Foley, G Panoho, M Connors, N Sharpe, M Cockbain, T Kefu, D Croft. Replacements - B Wakeley, A Scotney, J Ramsamy, J Roe, M Mitchell, S Kerr, S Hardman.

BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS: I Balshaw (England); D James (Wales), B O'Driscoll (Ireland), R Henderson (Ireland), D Luger (England); J Wilkinson (England), R Howley (Wales); T Smith (Scotland), K Wood (Ireland), P Vickery (England), M Johnson (England, capt), D Grewcock (England), R Hill (England), S Quinnell (Wales), N Back (England). REPLACEMENTS: J Leonard (England), G Bulloch (Scotland), M Corry (England), C Charvis (Wales), M Dawson (England), A Healey (England), J Robinson (England).