Farrell should have been more honest over Morgan

ANDY Farrell would have looked a bit silly if he had held a press conference in January to announce the team for the first Lions Test even though it appears that's when he picked the team.

- GWYN JONES

What has happened since then, and particularly what has happened on this tour, has not influenced his preconceived ideas about his starting XV. The backlash against the omission of Jac Morgan is palpable, it is felt as an injustice as support for the Welsh captain floods in from all corners of these isles.

However, in the case of the 'People of Wales vs Andy Farrell, I will offer three arguments for the defence.

Firstly, Farrell's success with Ireland in recent seasons has earned him the right to select whoever he wants for the Lions. He has beaten all-comers and Ireland have been ranked No.1 in the world. His instincts must be respected; he knows how to win Test matches.

Secondly, the warm-up matches have not been of sufficient quality to be able to judge players for this series. The quality of play has been average and the games have lacked the physical and emotional intensity of what we will see this weekend. Farrell, therefore, can claim that these matches were not relevant when picking a player for a whole different challenge.