In the lead-up to their match against the Queensland Reds, Maro Itoje, the Lions' captain, emphasized the importance of hard and direct rugby. "Get us through the front door," he urged, highlighting the need for physicality and straightforward play. This approach is crucial as the Lions have the potential to overpower any team in Australia but have yet to consistently demonstrate this capability.

Head coach Andy Farrell has consistently advocated for a strategy that involves driving at the heart of the opposition before expanding the play. Despite this, the Lions have often resorted to lateral passes without establishing the necessary groundwork, a tactic that has not yielded the desired results.

As the Test series approaches, there is a palpable shift in the team's strategy. Itoje has acknowledged the need for a more balanced and aggressive game plan. "We need to punch holes, get forward, then space opens up," he stated, underlining the importance of earning the right to go wide.

The upcoming match against the Brumbies is seen as a pivotal moment for the Lions to solidify their game plan. With the Test team nearly finalized, the focus is on cohesion and ruthlessness. The team aims to dominate from the start and maintain this intensity throughout the game.

This tour marks a significant phase for the Lions, transitioning from the initial excitement of new combinations to the serious business of Test rugby. The team is expected to shed the 'nice' approach and embrace a more aggressive, bare-knuckle style of play, reminiscent of the legendary 1997 tour in South Africa.

As the Lions prepare to face the Brumbies, the rugby world watches eagerly to see if this shift in strategy will translate into a successful and memorable tour in Australia.