The British and Irish Lions have their first midweek game of the Australia tour this week, as they head to Brisbane to face Queensland Reds on Wednesday. Reds are coming off the back of a solid 5th placed finish to their latest Super Rugby campaign, eventually losing in the play-offs to eventual winners Crusaders.
Lions head coach Andy Farrell seems to have gone stronger for this game, with a match day squad that looks a lot closer to what could end up being the side for the first Test against the Wallabies.
The hosts will want to pull off a shock and have a squad that could cause the Lions some problems, even if the tourists are heavily favoured to win. Here are five Queensland Reds players to keep an eye on, in tomorrow's battle in Brisbane.
1. Matt Faessler
Wallabies hooker Faessler is making a long-awaited return from injury on Wednesday. The 26-year-old has been away from action since early April with a severe hamstring injury that subsequently left him out of Reds' play-off push.
With nine appearances for his country last year, he will more than likely feature against the Lions in a Test match if he manages to prove his fitness.
As a player, he is someone who brings a high work-rate and a combative style to the team, so could be a bit of a handful for the Lions.
He has already been in the Australian media speaking about his excitement at returning and that he genuinely believes that his side are capable of an upset.
2. Hunter Paisami
Another Wallaby that is included in the Reds squad is centre Paisami, who is perhaps the biggest name on their team sheet.
One of the fiercest tacklers in the world, the centre will be aggressive both on and off the ball for the Reds, with a good performance here doing him a world of good in terms of his likelihood in being selected for the Test squad.
Although he is diminutive for his position, at only five foot eight inches, he plays as if he is one of the bigger players.
Wednesday may not be the last that we see of Paisami against the Lions this summer.
3. Ryan Smith
Smith is one to watch because he will soon be plying his trade in the British Isles. The lock has agreed a move to join Ospreys this summer, so this game gives fans of the Welsh club a chance to have a look at their new man.
With nine of the Lions starters playing in the URC, Smith will be up against a lot of his future opponents.
Among the starters is Ospreys back row Jac Morgan, who is now the only Welshman left in the squad following Tomos Williams' injury and a future teammate of Smith.
While the Australian starts on the bench, he is expected to get some minutes for the Reds in his final appearance for the club before heading to Wales.
4. Isaac Henry
A player with one of the highest ceilings in this Reds squad, Henry has had horrid luck with injuries but now has a chance to make his mark on the biggest stage.
Starting on the bench at 23, the centre has shown glimpses of potential as a Wallaby, but injuries have hampered his development.
His return this time comes after a ruptured patella tendon in March, that saw him miss the rest of the Super Rugby season.
On his day, he is a great player and his return from injury will be welcomed by fans.
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Salakaia-Loto is a name potentially familiar with some Premiership fans, as the lock spent the 2022/23 season at Northampton Saints.
Given the recent struggles of the Lions at second row for the first couple of games and the position alongside Maro Itoje still up for grabs, Salakaia-Loto could take advantage and put in a big performance.
An athletic player and very much an enforcer on the pitch , the Australian has featured for his country over 30 times and could play himself into a gold shirt on Wednesday.
