A worrying-looking Elliot Daly injury has left the British and Irish Lions assessing their options after Wednesday’s win against the Queensland Reds.
After a tough start that saw them fall behind, the Lions put in another impressive second-half display to pull away and record another big win down under.
Two tries from Tommy Freeman and eight in total capped a strong victory over the Reds in Brisbane.
Having led 21-12 at halftime, the Lions flexed their muscles after the break.
Captain Maro Itoje added a fourth try, with man of the match Jac Morgan grabbing the fifth.
Freeman’s second was followed by a breakaway from Scottish centre Huw Jones.
Ireland’s Gary Ringrose made it eight tries with his second score in as many games.
And six conversions from the boots of fly-halves Finn Russell and Fin Smith brought the score past the 50-point mark for the second game in succession.
However, there was concern for fullback Elliot Daly. The Englishman came off in the second half holding his arm, and appeared to be in serious discomfort.
The Lions have already seen scrum-half Tomos Williams ruled out of the tour through injury.
Elliot Daly Injury A Cause For Concern
Lions head coach Andy Farrell has admitted his worry about Elliot Daly’s injury.
Daly was seen with ice and heavy strapping on his arm after being taken off, and looked in severe pain.
Having been a surprise inclusion, the now three-time Lions tourist has impressed many.
He was a late call-up to Wednesday’s squad after Hugo Keenan was ruled out through illness.
But another classy display has put Daly firmly into test contention. The 32-year-old will have a nervous wait, though.
A concerning sight for Lions fans 😮
Elliot Daly appears to be in some pain as he applies ice to his forearm 🫣 pic.twitter.com/xZtGGDmu2N
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) July 2, 2025
The full extent of his injury is not yet clear, but Andy Farrell is hopeful Daly will be okay.
“He’s pretty sore in there,” Farrell told Sky Sports of Daly.
“We’ll get him an X-ray. It looks like he’s took a knock to his forearm, so fingers crossed for him.”
Elliot Daly’s injury meant the Lions played with a makeshift backline in the closing stages.
Winger Tommy Freeman shifted to fullback, with Gary Ringrose on the wing and English back rower Ben Earl in midfield.
Who Could Replace Elliot Daly For The Lions?
While we of course hope that Elliot Daly’s injury does not rule him out of the tour, injuries are apart of rugby.
If the worst does happen, it is likely the Lions will call in a replacement.
Below, we’ve listed three options who could replace Elliot Daly, and given our thoughts.
Darcy Graham
Scotland’s Darcy Graham is considered by many as one of the unluckiest players to miss out on initial selection.
An electric attacker, the 28-year-old can cover both wing and fullback, and is known for his incredible work-rate – something Andy Farrell values hugely.
A very different player to Daly, what might harm Graham’s chances is his ability in the air.
While by no means a glaring weakness, Graham is not known for his aerial prowess, and stands at 5ft 10in, two inches shorter than Daly.
But with Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn and Marcus Smith able to cover 15, might Farrell opt for a more attacking winger?
Freddie Steward
One man who certainly doesn’t struggle in the air is Freddie Steward.
The England fullback is arguably the best in the world under the high ball.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Steward has been utilised by England whenever they are facing a team known to kick contestables.
Australia may look to use the aerial power of star man Joseph Suaalii to challenge the Lions in the air.
If they do, Freddie Steward would be the perfect selection at fullback.
But his lack of pace and and attacking threat has been criticised at times, and may be why he wasn’t selected in the first place.
Tom Jordan
A big reason for Elliot Daly’s selection in any team is his versatility.
Able to cover centre, wing and fullback, Daly makes a perfect bench player, particularly given the growing trend of a 6-2 or even 7-1 split of forwards and backs among the replacements.
With that in mind, only one man can offer the same level of cover.
Scotland’s Kiwi-born Swiss army knife, Tom Jordan has played just about everywhere across the back line.
A viable option at fly-half, centre, wing and fullback, the former Ayrshire Bulls man has proven himself at test level in multiple positions.
We therefore think that should the worst fears be realised about the Elliot Daly injury, Tom Jordan is the most likely and best option to be called up in his stead.
British And Irish Lions Fixtures 2025
We are now three fixtures down in this year’s Lions tour.
Following defeat to Argentina in Dublin, the tourists are two from two down under, beating the Western Force and Queensland Reds convincingly.
Next up, the Lions take on the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday.
Lions Fixtures:
- Friday, 20 June – Lions 24-28 Argentina, Dublin (Aviva Stadium)
- Saturday, 28 June – Lions 54-7 Western Force, Perth (Optus Stadium)
- Wednesday, 2 July – Lions 54-12 Queensland Reds, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
- Saturday, 5 July – Lions v NSW Waratahs, Sydney (Allianz Stadium)
- Wednesday, 9 July – Lions v ACT Brumbies, Canberra (GIO Stadium)
- Saturday, 12 July – Lions v Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
- Saturday, 19 July – Lions v Australia, First Test, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
- Tuesday, 22 July – Lions v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)
- Saturday, 26 July – Lions v Australia, Second Test, Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG)
- Saturday, 2 August – Lions v Australia, Third Test, Sydney (Accor Stadium)
