Fin, not Finn, for Lions XV Chalmers

FORMER Scotland flyhalf Craig Chalmers believes it might be best to exclude the ageing Finn Russell in the starting British and Irish Lions side this summer to facilitate bringing youngsters through.

- CAMERO STEPHENS

Speaking on The Rugby Paper podcast, the Scotland legend believes that Fin Smith may be the best option for Andy Farrell in his former position.

“It’s important to play well in a Lions year and Finn Russell hasn’t started the campaign particularly well,” he said. “Ireland have Jack Crowley, who played well in that first game against England. He came on and changed the game, he was player of the match.

“Then you’ve got Sam Prendergast who started, who got man-of-the-match against Scotland. Fin Smith got man-of-thematch against France the other week. So there’s three young guys there that could go on the Lions tour.”