We know one thing for sure after this weekend’s action – Finn Russell won’t be making it on the Lions tour.
Owen Farrell was a class above for Saracens as the European champions destroyed Glasgow Warriors 38-13 to set up a semi-final with Munster at the Aviva Stadium on the April 21-23 weekend.
Farrell guided Sarries around the park extremely well and played a high attacking line that drew the Scots in and created pockets of space for their big carriers to punch through.
Playing outhalf – rather than the inside centre role he carries out for England, of late – Farrell kicked 18 points, landed five big tackles, threw three offloads and made 54 metres off 15 carries.
It was enough to earn him the Sky Sports’ man of the match in a game where Chris Ashton scored two tries and prop Mako Vunipola charted an astonishing 16 tackles in the loose. With the Lions squad being announced on the week of that Munster game, Farrell was on the tips of many lips.
@owen_faz is not only a shoe in for the Lions but surely a contender for World Rugby player of the year..
— Ger Burke (@burkeysmc) April 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/AliDonnelly/status/848514331092414464
While many view Farrell as a perfect midfield foil for Leinster and Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw, he told Sky where he prefers to operate:
“I’m a 10. I’m a 10!
“If you want an extra 10, though, I can play 12.”
Right now, it looks as though Lions head coach will go with Johnny Sexton at 10 with Farrell one out. The English star will do as he is asked but it is clear that he has designs on that Lions No.10 jersey.
Asked if he wanted to comment on Lions speculation, he remarked, “I’m all right. I’m just concentrating on what’s in front of me.”
