Itoje returns with a try as Lions down Reds in Brisbane

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FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - British Irish Lions v Argentina - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - June 20, 2025 British Irish Lions Maro Itoje during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne/File Photo

Skipper Maro Itoje celebrated his return with a try as the British amp; Irish Lions pulled away in the second half to beat the Queensland Reds 52-12 in their second tour match in Australia on Wednesday.

Tommy Freeman grabbed two tries and Andrew Porter, Duhan van der Merwe, Jac Morgan, Huw Jones and Gary Ringrose all also crossed as the Lions disappointed those in the 46,435 crowd at Brisbanes Lang Park who were hoping for an upset.

Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Josh Flook had given the local fans hope with tries in the first 26 minutes before the tourists, who made nine handling errors in the first half, hit their formidable stride.

Itoje was rested for the match against the Western Force last weekend, leading to some conjecture that his test place was under threat, but he made a mockery of the idea with a statement performance in the second row. REUTERS