On these shores, it is almost taken as a given that Johnny Sexton will be starting outhalf for the British & Irish Lions against New Zealand.
In Britain, and in New Zealand, there is a growing sense that Owen Farrell may be the man to guide the Lions through a tough winter Test series.
Sexton’s goal-kicking is underrated and his work as a play-making No.10 that plays a high attacking line is what earns him a lot of “world-class” plaudits. The fact that he started all three Tests of a successful 2013 series against Australia stands to him too.
Farrell is bang in form as outhalf with a dominant Saracens side and has his sights set on the Lions’ 10 jersey. Andy Rowe from The Rugby Pod told The Hard Yards [from 45:50 below] that Farrell could be the key to the Lions doing some damage to the All Blacks.
https://soundcloud.com/thehardyardssportsjoe/episode-13-how-to-negotiate-a-contract-beauden-barretts-strengths-and-forgotten-teenage-talents
Rowe has been back and forth to his native New Zealand on a couple of recent occasions and is in constant touch with rugby events back home. He is not the only one that fears just what Farrell is capable of. He said:
“There’s a few [threats] but I’d probably say Owen Farrell as he has something the All Blacks don’t.”
“They don’t have someone who can kick goals like Farrell,” Rowe continued.
“And he’s a completely different player to Beauden Barrett, with respect that he’s more of a traditional English front five of the Jonny Wilkinson ilk.
“The All Blacks don’t have that. They did in the past, with Dan Carter, Grant Fox and Andrew Mehrtens. Barrett is an incredible player but if it goes back to the old traditional play, and style of play, Farrell could be the guy that changes things for the Lions.”
Ronan O’Gara, who was also on the podcast, agreed and noted that Barrett thrives in Super Rugby as ruck contests are few and far between.
“Eden Park in June will be wet and greasy and there will be an emphasis on field position,” said O’Gara. “The longer the Lions can hang in there and it becomes a traditional game, and they try win that kick tennis, it will be fascinating to see.”
