British & Irish Lions news: Andy Farrell should leave Finn Russell at home, claims Nick Mallett

Former Springboks head coach Nick Mallett has called for Scotland fly-half Finn Russell not to be included in the British & Irish Lions squad for the tour of Australia this summer.

With Russell unquestionably one of rugby’s best playmakers on his day, many have ridiculed the controversial South African for his bold take.

In Mallett’s defence, however, the Scot is prone to costly mistakes in crunch moments – a decidedly risky prospect on a Lions tour where there is simply no margin for error.

Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott offers his thoughts on Russell’s potential selection.

Competition at fly-half

It is likely that one fly-half spot in the Lions squad will be taken by England’s Owen Farrell.

The Racing 92 star cannot turn out for his nation anymore due to playing in France, but the Lions do not have such a restriction and he is sure to make the selection as a result.

An experienced head who has already been capped at Lions level, Farrell provides a safe pair of hands and is moreover a great senior squad member to have.

Lions head coach Andy Farrell – Owen’s father, for those conspiratorially inclined – will need to pick two more fly-halves for the tour, and that is where Mallett’s contentious opinion comes into play.

He claims that Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast should be the ones to join (Owen) Farrell in the squad, leaving Russell out in the cold.

“You know what you are going to get from those two,” the South African said on the Boks Office podcast.

And while that is certainly true, having a player like Russell at your disposal can be the difference in those tough moments when you need a bit of magic.

Unfortunately for Russell, rugby magic tends to come with a healthy dollop of risk.

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A selfish player

For Scotland and Bath, Russell is the undisputed focal point and almost everything goes through him on the pitch but, given the elevated quality that the Lions possess, he would need to be less selfish in Australia.

Indeed, it is an interesting thought experiment to consider how the Scot would react to not being the main man, which is a strong possibility if he is selected.

With unselfishness not seemingly in his nature, Russell is likely to find the change a tough pill to swallow.

The potential to sulk rather than be motivated is then a danger to squad dynamics and the vibe of the dressing room.

For (Andy) Farrell, that would make the Scot a risk both on and off the pitch – an unacceptable proposition.

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Fin Smith to step up

One of Mallett’s picks at fly-half in place of Russell is 22-year-old Smith.

Having only made one Test start for England so far, in the recent Six Nations clash with France, there are those who question whether the Northampton Saints youngster is ready to be thrown into the deep end.

Although he did extremely well in that game against the French and is undoubtedly a great talent, one match does not define a career and a premature Lions call-up could be a detriment to his growth.

In addition, the last thing (Andy) Farrell needs is for a player to be a rabbit in the headlights and unable to properly deliver for the team.

Ultimately, Mallett’s comments are fair enough and I have to say that I agree with the bulk of what he said.

If Russell goes to Australia, he must be the main man, which would not be beneficial to the Lions team. For that reason alone, despite his obvious quality, Russell should stay at home.

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