**Jac Morgan Silences Critics with Commanding Display as Lions Cruise to Victory in Brisbane**
The British & Irish Lions delivered a performance to savour in their second fixture of the Australian tour, dispatching the Queensland Reds in emphatic fashion with a 52-12 triumph in Brisbane. The result marks a significant turnaround for Andy Farrell’s touring side, who had kicked off their summer campaign with a discouraging defeat to Argentina in Dublin. Since then, the Lions have regrouped and begun to assert their pedigree, registering back-to-back wins and, perhaps more importantly, giving their head coach much to ponder in selection terms ahead of the opening Test match.
One player ensuring his presence cannot be ignored is Jac Morgan, now the solitary Welsh representative on the tour following Tomos Williams’ injury. Morgan, who plies his trade with the Ospreys, seized his opportunity on Wednesday, crossing the whitewash for a try and delivering an all-action display across the pitch. He made more carry metres than any other Lions forward and led the tackle count with a staggering 21, notching up three turnovers at the breakdown for good measure.
Morgan’s barnstorming outing has seen his stock rise rapidly amongst media and supporters, many of whom—only a week ago—questioned his Test credentials after a quiet showing against Argentina. Prominent commentators, including former Lions fly-half Dan Biggar, highlighted Morgan’s growing influence. “He’s been exceptional tonight and put pressure on the players playing on Saturday,” Biggar remarked, underlining the mounting competition for the coveted No. 7 jersey.
Analyses from the British press aligned in their admiration for Morgan’s efforts. The Telegraph described his contribution as “punchy and clever in the carry,” while awarding him a standout rating of 9 out of 10. The Guardian, meanwhile, speculated that the Welshman’s status as the last man flying his nation’s flag could work in his favour come Test selection, remarking that he “could be a starter for the opening Test if he continues to perform like this.”
RugbyPass echoed these sentiments, praising Morgan’s early turnover work and the energy he brought both in attack and defence, declaring that his “effort couldn’t be faulted in all aspects of the game.” Even critics who initially sensed a quiet first half acknowledged Morgan’s transformation by the final whistle, with The Times’ rugby writers admitting they had been proven wrong. “He’s grown into this game, and the tour, really well and had a good night,” one columnist wrote.
The positive reviews extended beyond Morgan, as other Lions also produced noteworthy shifts. New tour captain Maro Itoje was singled out for his leadership and relentless work at the lineout, picking up top marks in several write-ups. RugbyPass described his outing as “much more like it” from a player expected to set the example, while The Daily Mail noted he was “a nuisance in defence” and “led from the front with his usual intensity”—both outlets awarding him an impressive 9 out of 10.
Elsewhere, Finn Russell’s orchestration at fly-half came in for particular praise, with his expansive and intelligent distribution providing the cutting edge to the Lions’ offensive efforts. The suggestion from pundits was clear: Russell’s influence will be central in the Tests, and he should now be protected ahead of the bigger challenges to come.
Winger Tommy Freeman too caught the eye, overcoming an early error to deliver a two-try performance that displayed both hunger and composure, earning him plaudits from The Telegraph and others. The cohesive showing up and down the team sheet will be heartening for Andy Farrell as he weighs up his combinations for the looming Test opener against Australia on 19 July.
In summary, while the victory over Queensland Reds was a testament to collective improvement, it was Jac Morgan’s individual resurgence that set tongues wagging. The 24-year-old has, at least for now, silenced those doubting his inclusion—and with the Test series fast approaching, his timing could scarcely be better. For the Lions faithful, the debate over the No. 7 shirt is very much alive, with Morgan now firmly in the frame and the competition for the starting role heating up.