Owen Farrell opens up on criticism from fans after call-up, he 'gets it'

RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.

The former England captain was not named in the original touring party, but has now been drafted in as injury cover, a move that has once again split opinion among fans. While some praise his experience and leadership, others have slammed the decision, reigniting long-standing criticism of the Saracens playmaker.

Farrell, never one to shy away from scrutiny, has spoken honestly to Jim Hamilton about the intense pressure he's faced – both now and during his recent time away from the international spotlight.

After stepping back from England duty to focus on his mental wellbeing, Farrell leaned heavily on his father – Ireland head coach Andy Farrell – and found renewed purpose with Saracens.

In a moment of reflection, he highlighted South African flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit as a player he respects for his physicality and relentless work rate.

Now thrust back into the Lions fold, Farrell knows the backlash won’t fade – but he’s ready to face it head-on.

RUCK verdict: Literally one of England's greatest ever 10s, he has a CV that warrants a call-up no matter his current form.

Some Lions roared — others whimpered. Here's the breakdown of who boosted their Test stock and who sent it plummeting.

RUCK 5.5/10:
"Van der Merwe was very suspect especially in defence with some key moments when he looked well off the pace. In attack he just looked very one dimensional and looked nowhere near his usual standard we’re used to."

Rugby Pass 5/10:
"The Reds exploited his slowness to turn with some probing kicks and he was nearly made to pay for a casual one-handed gather when under pressure on his own try line.

"It took 14 minutes before he received his first pass and was largely anonymous as an attacker until the game started to break up. Nice finish for the Lions’ third try atoned for some of his backfield errors, but was overshadowed by his fellow winger Freeman."

FLO Rugby 3/10:
"Firmly on the back foot for a test spot, the powerhouse Scottish winger does not look comfortable in the Lions’ system. Unlike Scotland, where his strike running ability is a key focal point, in Andy Farrell’s system, more is expected of wingers to go looking for work.

"Throw into the mix his struggles in the air, rather reckless one-handed grab of a ball behind his own line and brutally poor positioning for the Reds’ second try by Josh Flook, and it is tough to see Farrell trusting him on the big occasions. Overall, it was a fast and loose showing from van der Merwe, who did score a try, albeit it was a simple run-in."

Mail Online 5/10:
"Had a couple of lineouts pinched as the set-piece struggled. Fumbled the ball in a promising attacking position as his Test hopes slipped."

RUCK 5/10:
"The Lions on a whole were lacklustre with their discipline especially with handling errors and Kelleher just wasn’t clicking with the Lions’ attacking pace which only added to the penalty count. Provided decent throw-ins to the lineout, which aided the Lions’ attack."

RUGBY PASS 5.5/10:
"Ireland’s hooker was certainly not the only player guilty of costly handling errors but the one that he spilt from Jones’ pass was particularly bad given it looked easier for the Lions to score. Also missed his first lineout throw and never really got going as a ball carrier. Clocked up the tackles though and can’t be faulted for his effort."

FLO RUGBY 5/10:
"Rugby’s equivalent of a mix’n’pick, Kelleher’s performance was a combination of the good and bad. Getting pressured at line-out time by the Reds’ jumpers, Kelleher’s susceptibility to overcompensating as he has done with Ireland only makes matters worse in this department.

"In open play, Kelleher was exceptional in both the carry and around the breakdown. One caveat to add was that Kelleher appeared a touch fatigued, which is unsurprising given he has played in all three matches thus far."

RUGBY PASS 5/10:
"Well below his usual world-class standards. Dropped passes and dropped off a couple of tackles, although he did link up well at times in the wide channels."

FLO RUGBY 4.5/10:
"Caught between two stools in a system that is more accustomed to a bigger six, Curry has yet to look comfortable in a role that requires constant big carries.

"Losing two balls in the first half with knock-ons and generally just lacking the impact he brings in the England set-up, it’ll be interesting to see if he gets a run at openside in the upcoming fixtures."

RUCK 5.5/10:
"Curry was, to put it simply, relatively decent. He struggled to click in attack with errors creeping in to the Englishman’s performance. In defence he was again solid he just never really had the chance to grab the headlines or impact the game in any major way."

FLO RUGBY 4/10:
"Not the outing the Bath star would’ve hoped for at scrum time. In conjunction with Porter, Stuart was pinged for a few costly penalties that relieved pressure on the Reds. In open play, Stuart routinely looked to get involved but had a few errors, namely knock-ons, when running support lines. Coughing up a sloppy penalty in the 47th minute with a high tackle summed up Stuart’s outing, which was his third penalty of the day."

RUCK 4.5/10:
"Stuart looked massively off the pace for the majority of his time on the field. Three penalties conceded and numerous mistakes at scrum time and also with ball in hand, Stuart failed to impress on any level."

RUGBY PASS 4.5/10:
"Failed in his audition for the Lions No.3 jersey despite going into the match in a rich vein of form. Gave away an early scrum penalty, handing the Reds a cheap out and also gave away a ‘coach-killer’ penalty when he illegally stripped the ball on the floor. Compounded that with a tired-looking high shot in the second half, which earned him a third penalty. Hooked after 50 minutes."

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?

Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?