Reds vs British & Irish Lions Prediction: Gibson-Park quality can highlight a patient Lions performance

The British & Irish Lions may have lost to Argentina in Dublin, but they made a winning start to their time on Australian soil by beating the Western Force on Saturday.

Next up is Wednesday's game in Brisbane (11:00 BST, Sky Sports Main Event) against the Queensland Reds at the venue for the first Test with the Wallabies, Suncorp Stadium. Read on for my Reds vs British & Irish Lions predictions, complete with the latest odds and team news.

Team News

Australia's game against Fiji on Sunday means the Reds are without six of their Wallaby stars, including captain Harry Wilson.

Full-back Jock Campbell leads the team, reprising the role he took in tour matches against Wales and Tonga in 2024, while prop Aidan Ross makes his debut after recently joining from the Chiefs.

Rugby Union Odds

The Lions have made 14 changes from the side that beat the Force, with fly-half Finn Russell the only player retained.

Russell is joined in the halves by Jamison Gibson-Park, who is one of three Ireland players set to make their first Lions appearances alongside full-back Hugo Keenan and reserve lock James Ryan.

Reds vs British & Irish Lions Odds

The Lions are 1/200 to record their third win in as many meetings with the Reds, with the hosts 20/1 and the draw 33/1.

The 3-way handicap is set at 30 points, with the Reds 20/21 when given a +30 start, while Lions -34 has been boosted from 5/4 to 6/4.

First half handicap - Reds +13.5 @ 21/20

The traders have the Lions at 1/200, and they should win in Brisbane and with something to spare.

However, as was the case against the Force, Farrell's side may need to be patient and wait until the second half for the points to tally up.

Even with a full squad to pick from, the Reds aren't as strong as in 2013 when they pushed the Lions in a 22-12 defeat.

They still finished fifth in Super Rugby, though, and can keep it tight in the first half.

The Force only trailed by 14 points at the break on Saturday, and the Reds can do even better.

Jamison Gibson-Park to score a try @ 11/10

Gibson-Park has had a frustrating time recovering from a glute injury, which saw him miss Leinster's URC final victory, as well as the Lions games against Argentina and the Force.

The 33-year-old's combination with Russell can help the Lions play with speed and skill, and he will be looking to hit the ground running with an eye on returning to Brisbane as a starter in the first Test on July 19.

Fellow scrum-halves Williams (two) and Alex Mitchell both went over in Perth, and Gibson-Park could follow suit.

He is an excellent support runner, allowing him to finish other people's breaks. Playing behind a dominant pack will also give him chances to snipe around the edges.

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