“He’s a game winner" - Jonny Wilkinson ranks Lions fly-half options with Farrell third choice

The legendary fly-half talked through the ’embarrassment of riches’ on offer to Warren Gatland heading into the three-test tour of South Africa.

Rugby isn’t a popularity contest and, a bit like Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid, if he doesn’t play for you, you’re not a fan, but if he does then you cannot imagine him ever being left out. 

Wilkinson said: “He was great back in 2017. The Lions team really turned up against the World Cup champions and give as good as they got. He’ll be in and around the XV again.”

DID YOU KNOW? His father is Andy Farrell, who played both rugby league and rugby union for England and is the current head coach of Ireland

 If you’re Scottish, you simply couldn’t have believed he was never going to go but, for everyone else, Gatland and Russell always felt like the odd couple. As well as being physical, however, Gatland likes his teams to play and there’s no better threader of passes or short-range kicker than Russell.

Wilkinson said: “He’s a game winner, and is probably one of the most exciting players not only at fly-half, but in world rugby. He could really ignite a bit of flair in the team and get everyone else playing. He has the it-factor.”

DID YOU KNOW? After secondary school, he pursued an apprenticeship for three years as a stonemason

Biggar plays with his heart on his sleeve, he’s a nerveless goalkicker, is the best in the world under the high ball, smashes everything and can properly play.

Wilkinson said: “He’s got a real mix of all the other options on the table and brings a bit of everything to the party. He has a really interesting energy about him a well, which I really like.”

DID YOU KNOW? In 2015, Biggar won the BBC Cymru Sports Personality of the Year Award