Sexton: 'Finn Russell is no flash in the pan'

JOHNNY Sexton insists Finn Russell's "flash" skills are matched by the defensive steel needed from the British and Irish Lions fly-half to weather the storm coming his way in Brisbane.

- DUNCAN BECH

Russell pulls the strings in today's first Test as the Lions look to take an important first step towards claiming their first series victory since touring Down Under in 2013.

The Scotland playmaker was famously described as "flashy" and a "media darling" in Sexton's autobiography, but the Ireland great has been won over by his former rival since working with him in his capacity as Lions kicking coach.

"Finn's still flash! He'd hate it if I said he isn't," Sexton said.

"But in the last couple of years he's come into his own as a 10 and he's been able to manage a team because ultimately that's his main job. And then his brilliance will come out once he's into the game.