Lions legend slams Finn Russell, tips Owen Farrell for late call-up

Monday, 30 June 2025 at 15:41

byRugby Rucker

Gavin Henson has weighed in on the Lions’ biggest selection dilemma ahead of the first Test against Australia — and his pick at fly-half may surprise fans.

Heading into the 2025 series, many expected Scotland’s Finn Russell to be a nailed-on starter for the showdown with Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies on July 19. But Henson isn’t convinced he’s the right man to steer the ship.

"The number 10 spot is a big decision for Farrell to make… probably the biggest," Henson said.

"Personally, I would start with Smith. He brings other players around him into the game, whereby with Finn Russell it is more of an individual thing. You need to bring the whole game around him – and I’m not sure we have the time with the limited warm-up games to do that."

Henson warned that Russell’s freewheeling style could be difficult to integrate in such a short window.

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"For me, it is going to be a big call to put Russell in for that first Test because of the way he plays. He likes to boss it and everyone else has to understand and work out what he is going to do next with the ball.

"Whether that can all come together so quickly is difficult. But with Smith, it will probably just all click into place easily because he makes other players look good… it’s all about them and not just the number 10."

Farrell to join mid-tour?

One fly-half who didn’t make the initial squad is Owen Farrell. The Saracens-bound playmaker stepped back from international rugby to prioritise his mental health — but Henson believes there’s still a chance he joins up later.

"I believe (Andy) Farrell will get it right. He's a great guy, great talker and a great leader. I wasn't surprised he didn't pick his son as he has been injured and not playing international rugby.

"But I will be surprised if he doesn't end up out there."

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Eddie Jones Names Four Nailed-On Starters for the Lions Test XV

Jones, never shy of a bold opinion, believes there are already four players who have effectively nailed down their spots in the starting lineup for the Test series against Australia. These selections come not just from moments of brilliance, but from deeper traits: work-rate, adaptability, and X-factor—qualities Jones has always valued in his coaching career.

Here are the four Lions players Jones sees as Test starters based on the early stages of the tour:

1. Mack Hansen – Wing

Despite some criticism in the press for a high error count, Jones came firmly to the defence of the Irish flyer, calling out pundits for “focusing on error count over involvement.” Hansen, he said, “epitomised the Lions spirit,” getting stuck into every aspect of play—from clearing rucks to challenging in the air to making incisive runs.

“He’s a leggy bugger—really hard to put down in contact,” Jones said. “I thought he was great… he’ll be an absolute glue player for Andy Farrell.”

It’s clear that for Jones, Hansen’s relentless involvement and intent make him undroppable, even if the execution isn’t always perfect.

2. Henry Pollock – Back Row

“He does things that win games,” Jones said of the young England flanker, who continues to make a name for himself on this tour. Whether it’s his speed to the breakdown, his ability to disrupt opposition ball, or the attacking spark he brings, Jones sees Pollock as one of the few genuine X-factor players in the squad.

“Every team needs two X-factor men,” Jones stated, “and I expect to see him feature in the Tests.”

Pollock's inclusion highlights Jones’ belief in players who can shift the momentum of a game with individual brilliance, not just graft.

3. Joe McCarthy – Lock

Described as “a big lump—something you need in Australia,” McCarthy earns Jones’ nod not just for his size, but for his impact in the set-piece and around the field. His presence in the second row, even when the front row was struggling early on, gave the Lions some much-needed ballast.

Though not flashy, Jones clearly values McCarthy’s physicality and anticipates his role being pivotal in the tighter exchanges of the Test series.

4. Sione Tuipulotu – Centre

“He’s a glue man,” Jones observed—high praise from a coach who knows the value of centres who can bind together a backline. Tuipulotu’s defensive solidity, composure, and ability to connect phases make him central to the Lions’ midfield cohesion.

Jones believes the backline “will gel” in time, and Tuipulotu is the player around whom those combinations should be built. His selection is about trust, balance, and making others around him better.

Honourable Mentions and Notes of Concern

Jones also made notable references to other positions, expressing concern over the injury to Tomos Williams and the uncertainty around Jamison Gibson-Park. While he was surprised Ben Spencer wasn’t brought in immediately, he hinted that the scrum-half race remains open.

He also flagged aerial skill and breakdown control as key areas that must sharpen up before the first Test, especially with stronger opposition like the Queensland Reds and Australia on the horizon.

Verdict: Momentum and Evolution, Not Revolution

While Jones gave the Lions a 6/10 for their performance against the Force, his message was clear: build on this with consistency, not wholesale changes. The Test team will evolve, but for him, four names are already inked in.

The Lions face sterner tests ahead, but Eddie Jones has identified the beating heart of their side—and if his four nailed-on starters deliver in the coming weeks, the tourists will be in strong shape for the battle with the Wallabies.