The British & Irish Lions are facing a potential setback with utility back Elliot Daly suffering a suspected broken forearm during their dominant win over the Queensland Reds. Daly was sent to a Brisbane hospital for scans, with the coaching team and his teammates anxiously awaiting the results. Although his injury may rule him out of the tour, head coach Andy Farrell has played down fears of a full-back crisis ahead of the first Test against Australia, just over two weeks away.
Daly’s absence would leave the Lions with two specialist full-backs, Blair Kinghorn and Hugo Keenan, neither of whom have featured on the tour so far. Kinghorn only recently arrived in Australia following Toulouse’s Top 14 triumph, while Keenan missed the match against the Reds due to illness. Both are expected to be available for the upcoming fixture against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday, which could provide Farrell with a better idea of their readiness.
Farrell remains confident in the squad’s depth and versatility, insisting there’s no need to call up another full-back at this stage. Players like Marcus Smith, Mack Hansen, and Tommy Freeman can also cover the position, though Daly’s all-around utility and experience made him an ideal option off the bench for the Test series. His potential absence may prompt consideration of a similarly versatile player, with Scotland’s Tom Jordan and Ireland’s Jamie Osborne emerging as possible replacements.
Daly’s teammates are hopeful that the injury won’t be as serious as feared. Known for his effortless talent and laid-back composure, he’s highly regarded within the squad. Having featured in the last 11 Lions matchday squads and being on his third tour, Daly brings experience and adaptability that are hard to replace. His presence, both on and off the pitch, has been a steadying influence.
Despite the setback, the Lions can take encouragement from their performance against the Reds. After a shaky start, the team found rhythm and displayed the depth that Farrell has been cultivating. Several players took the opportunity to impress after mixed displays in earlier games. The likes of Maro Itoje, Jac Morgan, Bundee Aki, and Jack Conan stepped up with strong performances, reinforcing the healthy competition for Test places.
The Lions are in a crucial phase of their tour, with games arriving rapidly and little time for extensive training. Match play is serving as the primary development tool, and Farrell emphasized the importance of players learning on the pitch. With the Test series looming, the priority remains building momentum and cohesion, ensuring the squad is ready to peak when it matters most.
