Lions Dilemma: Farrell in Focus as Selection Debates Pile Up

Head coach must decide if his son, Owen, deserves a place, the back-row blend and whether a left-field pick is required for Australia tour, writes Robert Kitson

- writes Robert Kitson

Andy Farrell prepares to name his British & Irish Lions touring squad; it is worth reflecting on the events of 12 years ago. Then, as now, the destination was Australia, and Farrell was an important cog in Warren Gatland's management team. It was also the last time the Lions actually won a series, the solitary occasion they have ticked that illustrious box this century.

Do you remember who ultimately made the difference in the all-important final Test in Sydney, with the best-of-three series poised at 1-1? None other than the strong-scrummaging Alex Corbisiero, who had been omitted from the original squad and owed his presence to an ankle injury sustained by Ireland's Cian Healy early in the tour.

Missing out on initial selection, accordingly, need not be the end of the world. There will be players not chosen tomorrow who end up pulling on the famous red jersey and, conversely, one or two who never make the plane. In 2013, the highest-profile fall guy was Dylan Hartley, banned for 11 weeks after being sent-off for allegedly swearing at Wayne Barnes in the Premiership final just prior to the squad's departure.

This time the clock is ticking loudly for the estimable Caelan Doris, the frontrunner for the tour captaincy six months ago. The Irishman requires shoulder surgery, which will prevent him playing for Leinster again this season and leaves the door open for Farrell to install England's Maro Itoje as his Lions figurehead.

It is a rarefied honour, and touring with the Lions in any capacity remains among rugby's ultimate accolades. The squad announcement also concludes one of the great recurring parlour games. This particular squad, pregnant with possibilities, has been the subject of endless conjecture for at least the past nine months. As most parents will testify, tossing around names can be fun, but choosing ones that impress everybody is impossible.