Maro Itoje Leads British and Irish Lions with 14 Changes Against Queensland Reds
Maro Itoje returns as captain for the British and Irish Lions in a highly anticipated clash against Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

Maro Itoje is set to make a significant return as the captain of the British and Irish Lions in their upcoming match against the Queensland Reds at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. This game, scheduled for Saturday, 5 June, will see a total of 14 changes to the Lions' starting lineup, showcasing a fresh strategy under coach Andy Farrell.
Key Changes and New Faces
- Finn Russell is the sole player retaining his position from the previous match against the Western Force.
- Hugo Keenan and Jamison Gibson-Park from Ireland will make their first appearances on this tour, playing as full-back and scrum-half respectively.
- Ben White of Scotland is en route from New Zealand to join the team.
- Huw Jones will start his first tour game, forming a new midfield partnership with Bundee Aki.
Front-Row and Lock Adjustments
- Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, and Will Stuart will start in the front-row for the first time.
- Ollie Chessum and Jack Conan will take positions at lock and No 8 respectively.
Debut Off the Bench
- James Ryan from Ireland is poised to make his Lions debut as a substitute against the Reds.
Coverage and Updates
- Live text commentary will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.
This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Lions aim to assert their dominance with a revamped squad and fresh tactics.