Lions contenders hanker for a tick on Farrell's checklist

The quadrennial assembly of Britain and Ireland’s best and brightest will add yet more meaning to the Six Nations as Lions selection looms large over the tournament.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE

While it is, ultimately, the competition prize that players will be vying for, all of those eligible will be fully aware that Andy Farrell will be watching closely as he bids to narrow down his squad ahead of the tour of Australia.

England are understood to have addressed the conversation directly as they prepare for a vital campaign, while Ireland captain Caelan Doris has admitted that it will serve as an “extra factor” as the four constituent nations navigate the championship.

With his first coaching appointments in place, Farrell can now cast his discerning eye over the opening rounds of the tournament with plenty of themes set to emerge.

What might he particularly be looking out for?

Playmaking pecking orders

It feels a relatively safe bet, at this point, that Finn Russell will be one of the fly-halves chosen by Farrell, but great uncertainty lurks behind the Scotland star. Neither Ireland nor England enters this campaign with an undisputed starting 10: with Marcus Smith’s positional flexibility perhaps counting against him, both Fin Smith and George Ford could come into consideration for a starting spot; with Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley, old Leinster/Munster battle lines are being redrawn.

Farrell is known to rate Prendergast’s potential exceptionally highly, though this trip may come a year too soon for a player firmly in a development phase. The identity of Farrell’s attack coach may have a bearing, too – if a highly structured system like that employed by Ireland is favoured, then the ability to work within that will be key. It should be noted that Johnny Sexton, master of the Irish machine for so long, is a huge admirer of Marcus Smith, which may well count in the Harlequin’s favour.