Brian O’Driscoll’s verdict on the Owen Farrell call-up as Lions legend makes bold prediction for Test series
British and Irish Lions call-up Owen Farrell and legendary centre Brian O'Driscoll.
British and Irish Lions legend Brian O’Driscoll has confidently predicted that Owen Farrell will start for the touring side in at least one of the Tests.
The England great was a controversial call-up after Elliot Daly’s tour was unfortunately ended via an injury picked up in the 52-12 victory over the Reds.
Lions boss Andy Farrell has been accused of nepotism by picking his son given that he is not a like-for-like replacement for Daly.
The head coach has ridiculed those suggestions, however, claiming that he has been selected due to the tourists being light at inside centre.
Centre or fly-half?
Owen’s primary position is at fly-half but O’Driscoll believes that it is Sione Tuipulotu and Bundee Aki who will be most “nervous” about his inclusion.
“You would be a bit nervous I suppose if you’re Bundee or Sione, or maybe the 10s think that they should be a little bit nervous too, but for me it’s the 12 jersey,” he told Off The Ball.
The former Lions star, who went on four tours, then made a big prediction about the 33-year-old’s Test prospects.
“I bet you he starts one of the Test matches,” O’Driscoll said.
“I don’t think he can do the first Test… but – you don’t know with injuries and what might happen – I would definitely say there’s every chance he could start Test two or three.”
Although O’Driscoll suggested that it might need “a little knock, or one of the two guys in situ [getting injured]” for Farrell to play, the ex-centre believes that having the Englishman in the squad provides the Lions with a different option.
Owen’s ‘extra dimension’
“If they really wanted to change up their game or bring an extra dimension to it, I think he adds that. People will say, ‘actually Bundee’s a good passer’, but it’s not the actual quality of the passing, it’s being able to pick options,” he said.
“All the great 10s in the world are able to hold the ball until the last second and pick the right options.
“You have less time at 12 to do that but his range of passing is phenomenal, he stays square to the line and he has the ability to make split second decisions.
“I think Sione’s a lovely footballer but I don’t think that’s necessarily the big part of his game. I think he carries well, he’s elusive, he’s got lovely touches, he’s got lovely subtleties, but if you’re trying to get him to take it to the line and whip big, long passes to wingers sweeping around, I don’t necessarily think that’s his game. Likewise with Bundee.”
There is a concern that bringing in Farrell could disrupt the morale of the squad, but O’Driscoll rubbished those claims.
“There’s no façade, he’s real. He’s like his dad, he’s a chip off the old block and what you see is very much what you get,” he added.
“I think that’s why he will be accepted very, very well. There’s no point in the players going, ‘hang on a second, what’s going on?’ That’s irrelevant to them.”
