Warren Gatland delivers verdict on whether Andy Farrell should select Owen Farrell for Lions
10/20/2024 03:42 PM
Former British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland believes Andy Farrell should not shy away from selecting his son, Owen Farrell, for the upcoming Lions tour. Gatland, who led the Lions on three tours between 2013 and 2021, offered his advice as Farrell steps into the Lions’ head coach role.
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Lions Legacy
Gatland’s involvement with the Lions spans over a decade, having taken charge of the team on the 2013 tour of Australia, the 2017 tour of New Zealand, and the South Africa tour in 2021. He also served as assistant coach under Ian McGeechan during the 2009 tour of South Africa and led Wales to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Early Conversations and Selection Strategy
In a column for The Telegraph, Gatland shared his insights, suggesting that an early conversation between father and son could help clarify Owen's interest and availability.
"It's probably best for Andy to have a chat with Owen early on to see if he's interested in playing for the Lions and to understand his contract situation with Racing 92, especially if they're involved in the Top 14 finals," Gatland said. "From there, see how things unfold."
Removing Emotions from the Decision
Gatland emphasized that Andy Farrell's focus should remain on making the right choice for the squad, without being influenced by personal ties.
"If Owen is available and it's the right call for the squad, Andy shouldn't worry about the father-son dynamic. You have to remove emotion from the decision-making process and focus on what's best for the team," Gatland added.
Owen Farrell's Experience and Versatility
Highlighting Owen's attributes, Gatland praised his leadership, experience, and ability to contribute in multiple positions.
"You know what you're getting with Owen: leadership, experience, and a player who thrives in competitive environments. If he's on top form, he's Test-match ready, and with his ability to play both fly-half and centre, he brings versatility. A lot will depend on Racing 92's season."
The Case for Non-International Players
Though Gatland traditionally opted for players actively involved in international rugby, he acknowledged the possibility of selecting someone like Owen Farrell.
"I never picked players who weren't involved in international rugby, but it's been done before. If there's a gap in the squad, someone like Owen, with his proven Test record, could fill it."
Balancing Flair with Stability
With creative players like Finn Russell and Marcus Smith in the mix, Gatland noted the importance of balancing flair with the stability Owen can provide.
"Finn has reined in his maverick style, and his kicking has improved, while Marcus can come on and change a game. Owen brings that stability. It's about finding the right balance."
Other Contenders for the Fly-Half Role
Gatland also mentioned other contenders for the fly-half position, including Jack Crowley, George Ford, and Fin Smith.
"I have a lot of respect for George Ford. I didn't pick him for my Lions tours, but his game management during the World Cup last year was outstanding. He knows how to control a game and is a very intelligent player," Gatland concluded.
Danny Care selects his British & Irish Lions XV, picks the "best scrum-half"
In a Lions XV selection that's sure to spark some heated pub debates, Danny Care – yes, the man with over 100 caps for England – has handpicked his "best scrum-half" for next summer's tour to Australia.
Spoiler alert: it's not a Welshman. In fact, there's not a single Welsh player in the entire lineup! Care and fellow former England international Mark Atkinson have chosen a squad packed with English and Irish stars, leaving the Welsh out in the cold.
Tomos Williams Tease – The One Welshman Who Almost Made It
Williams was the only Welsh name brought up on Care’s Hits Different podcast, with Atkinson saying, "I've seen a big impact from him joining Gloucester. He's got 40-odd Wales caps [58 now], and if there's one Welsh player to make the tour, it's him." But even that wasn’t enough to earn him a place in their Lions XV.
Care, meanwhile, was clear in his verdict: Ireland's Jamison Gibson-Park is “the best scrum-half” around, with Alex Mitchell close behind. Sorry, Tomos!
Smith vs Russell: English Flair Wins the 10 Battle
The surprises didn't stop there – Care and Atkinson picked England's Marcus Smith over Scotland’s Finn Russell at No. 10, while the midfield saw a bruising combination of Ireland's Bundee Aki and England's Ollie Lawrence.
Feyi-Waboso? Yes, Please!
Another shocker? The Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso made the wing, alongside Scotland's Duhan van der Merwe. And, to cap it all off, England's George Furbank took the full-back spot over Ireland’s Hugo Keenan.
Danny Care and Mark Atkinson's Lions XV:
15. George Furbank: An agile fullback known for his versatility and impressive kicking game, Furbank has made a name for himself with his ability to read the game and contribute in attack and defense.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: A rising star in the rugby scene, Feyi-Waboso is recognized for his explosive speed and powerful running style, making him a significant threat on the wing.
13. Ollie Lawrence: A dynamic centre with a strong physical presence, Lawrence excels in breaking tackles and creating space for his teammates, contributing both defensively and offensively.
12. Bundee Aki: A seasoned centre known for his robust tackling and strong ball-carrying abilities, Aki brings experience and leadership to the midfield, often acting as a key playmaker.
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