An awesome first-half display from the Lions saw them breeze past the Queenslands Reds in Brisbane.

The match had been touted as the unofficial first Test but despite fielding a team containing a host of internationals, the Reds were roasted by the tourists and the match was over by half-time.

After going behind briefly, the Lions ran in five tries and allowed Queensland no further score until halfway through the second half.

Also making his first appearance was Jonny Wilkinson, whose fluent display dispelled any worries that his recent injury absence from the game may have left him match-rusty.

Lions captain Martin Johnson admitted that his side should have done better after the break.

"We played well in the first half," he said. "We won't be unhappy with that. But we lost a little shape in the second half.

"We have work to do - there is lots of room for improvement. It's going OK, we just need to keep working hard."

That both sides were anxious for a morale-boosting performance was immediately evident as several skirmishes threatened to boil over in the first few minutes.

Queensland took the lead after nine minutes when Elton Flatley kicked a penalty after an indiscretion from Phil Vickery.

Lions: I Balshaw, D James, B O'Driscoll, R Henderson, D Luger, J Wilkinson, R Howley, T Smith, K Wood, P Vickery, M Johnson (capt), D Grewcock, R Hill, N Back, M Corry.
Replacements: J Leonard, G Bulloch, S Murray, C Charvis, M Dawson, A Healey, J Robinson.