Record win but Johnson wants more

Martin Johnson reflected on a "satisfactory" victory after the Lions swept aside Super 12 semi-finalists Queensland Reds.

The Lions' 42-8 triumph was a record success over the Queensland outfit, who sorely missed injured Wallabies John Eales, Ben Tune and Chris Latham.

But they still had six players who featured for Australia against the New Zealand Maori last Saturday on show, and the Lions cruised home.

Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson ran the show, kicking 17 points and creating tries for Dan Luger, Richard Hill and Brian O'Driscoll.

Rob Henderson and Dafydd James also touched down as the Lions set themselves up for a tough eight-day period that also includes clashes against Australia A and New South Wales.

The game was over at half-time after the tourists built a 32-3 advantage, and the second period tailed off.

"It was satisfactory in some areas, but other areas were poor," Johnson said.

"We had a bit of the bounce of the ball in the first half, and then we lost our shape at times in the second. There is a lot of room for improvement."

Lions coach Graham Henry agreed with his captain, adding: "We got exposed at times, and we struggled a bit in the scrum, so we need to do some work there, while we also conceded some turnover ball at ruck and maul.

"We were a bit fortunate with the scoreline, and we shouldn't get carried away by it, and we have definitely got to get better for the Tests against Australia.

"We have to be reasonably happy with the scoreline, we would have taken 42-8 before the start, and this was the sort of hard, physical game that we needed."

Henry paid tribute to Wilkinson, and also singled out a superb performance from England back row forward Martin Corry.

"I thought that Jonny navigated the ship well. He had a big game for someone who hasn't played for quite a time.

"And I thought that Corry was fabulous. He is telling the Lions selectors that they made a mistake (Corry was not selected for the original squad) and I am delighted with him. He is putting his hand up in a big way."

Scrum-half Rob Howley went off suffering from a rib problem, but expects to be training again within three or four days, while O'Driscoll, Henderson, Danny Grewcock and Tom Smith all suffered various knocks, although none of them are reported serious.

Queensland skipper Daniel Herbert was pleased with his side's second half improvements, and admitted: "At half-time, we were running the risk of being a little bit embarrassed.

"We made a rod for our own back in the first half, but on the night, we just weren't good enough.

"You can't give a team like the Lions 30 points of a start. They are certainly a very dangerous side and are living up to the reputation they came here with."