Dean Richards rubbishes nepotism claims as Owen Farrell would’ve beaten Smiths to B&I Lions squad
British and Irish Lions Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith
British & Irish Lions legend Dean Richards has rubbished claims of nepotism following Owen Farrell’s call-up to Andy Farrell’s squad – and insisted he offers priceless experience in two key positions.
Former England captain Farrell flew out to Australia last week to replace utility back Elliot Daly, who was ruled out of the tour after fracturing his arm in the win over Queensland Reds.
Eyebrows were raised in some quarters after Farrell’s call-up due to his injury struggles and lack of recent international game time, but Richards sees plenty of value in his inclusion.
A fit Owen Farrell would have gone ahead of Smiths
Farrell’s father Andy is the Lions head coach but Richards, who helped the touring team to a famous 2-1 series win against the Wallabies in 1989, brushed the family link aside.
Richards told Planet Rugby: “There’s clearly no nepotism there at all.
“On a tour of this nature, you need experience and flexibility and in Owen, you have someone who can play 10 and 12.
“Owen is a proven winner and incredibly talented so I just find it a bit bizarre that people would have looked at it that way in the first place.
“Had Owen been back playing in England and not injured, there’s every reason why Fin Smith or Marcus Smith probably wouldn’t have gone on the tour anyway.
“I would have included him ahead of one of those players and I know that Owen will fit in straight away.
“I genuinely believe that there’s absolutely no nepotism whatsoever in his call-up – certainly none that I can see.”
Nailed on number 10
Farrell, 33, has not played international rugby for nearly two years and recently returned to Saracens after a difficult season in Paris with Racing 92.
The fly-half, who can also play inside centre, has not played for over two months after a concussion ended his season early.
Richards is a huge admirer of Scotland playmaker Finn Russell and does not see Farrell featuring in the first Test in Brisbane on Saturday week.
Richards reasoned: “No, I don’t, because I think Finn Russell has nailed down the 10 spot.
“But the way that Andy likes to play, Owen could slot in very quickly and securely because he will understand exactly what his father wants.
“I think that Fin Smith and Marcus Smith haven’t quite understood it – they’ve struggled to appreciate how Andy really wants them to play.
“They’re a yard and a half off from where Andy wants them to be at this moment in time.
“When Marcus has played at full-back, he hasn’t quite grasped what was asked of him.
“That’s not to say the Smiths aren’t capable of playing to Andy’s system but the experience that Owen has will just enable him to do things at the drop of the hat.
“He can play 12 as well, which is obviously another key role.”
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Front runners at 12
Richards is a huge admirer of Scotland fly-half Russell and sees him as a certainty for the fly-half Test spot.
“The pace that Finn has brought onto the ball has been outstanding and there’s no doubt he will start at 10 in the opening Test,” continued the former England No8 and skipper.
“At 12, it would probably be Sione Tuipulotu, although Bundee Aki is pushing him pretty hard because he’s actually playing pretty well so you have two great inside centres there.
“How much of a role Owen Farrell plays in the Test series is up for debate – it really is.
“Could he make the bench? It depends what the split is.
“If Andy just goes for two backs then you’d probably want someone who can play full-back.
“Tommy Freeman can play 13 as well as on the wing and then you just slide your guys in depending on who your starting 13 is.
“Garry Ringrose is obviously in the mix as well, so it depends on how much flexibility Andy wants.
“But it would probably be a little too soon if Owen features in the first Test… it would also be a little bit of a smack in the face for the boys who have been out from the start.
“Having said that, if there’s an injury or 10 or 12 it will be very interesting to see who Andy throws in.
“Owen certainly gives them flexibility in both positions.”
