Former England and Lions hooker Brian Moore has raised eyebrows over how Andy Farrell is managing Marcus Smith’s role on the current British & Irish Lions tour.
Moore believes that while the Lions head coach is walking the tightrope between giving everyone a shot and building cohesion among his likely starters, some of the choices — particularly around Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell — simply don’t add up.
He wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “Andy Farrell, the Lions’ head coach, is trying to juggle the need to give every player a chance and giving his preferred selections the opportunity to test their unit skills in real time, as opposed to on the training field. That said, making this judgment has not been helped by the lack of logic in the decisions concerning two players – Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell.”
Smith, seen by some as lucky to make the squad in the first place, has yet to start at fly-half — his natural position — something Moore finds perplexing.
“Some say that Marcus Smith was fortunate to be picked from the outset, but it is odd that he has not been given a chance to start a game in his best position at fly-half. He can play at 15, but it is clearly not his strongest deployment.”
Moore speculates that Smith may be earmarked for a bench role covering both 10 and 15, allowing for a forward-heavy bench setup.
“It could be that he is being lined up for a role from the bench as cover for both positions. This would allow Andy Farrell to choose a 6-2 split because the other back will have to be a scrum-half. If this is not so, it is hard to see why he was selected from the start.”
Further complicating matters is the late inclusion of Owen Farrell, a move that has drawn scrutiny from some corners due to his family ties with the head coach.
“This speculation is muddied by the much-discussed call-up of Owen Farrell. I do not subscribe to the claims of nepotism made by some; both Farrells are too professional for that. It also the right of any manager to pick the players they want because it is their head on the block when this all plays out.”
But Moore questions the timing of that call-up, suggesting it should have happened much earlier if Farrell Sr. had always intended to include his son.
“I reiterate a point I made weeks ago – why Owen Farrell was not picked in the squad from the outset, if it was his father’s intention to select him at all? His selection could have been justified on the grounds of his experience and track record for the Lions but that was always the case.
"Nothing has happened since then that makes that case stronger. Had this been done originally, we would not now be waiting for him to have game time and to see whether he has recaptured his form at a level at which he has not played for some time.”
As the tour progresses, these decisions may come under even greater scrutiny — especially if results don’t go the Lions’ way.
EDITORS PICKS:
“Test dreams in tatters” – 5 Lions flops who’ve fallen flat on tour
Four matches in, and the Lions tour is already separating the contenders from the pretenders. While some players are pushing hard for a place in the Test XV, others have gone missing when it mattered most.
Whether it’s rust, nerves, or just being outplayed, these five Lions have done themselves no favours – and could be heading home with regret.
Fin Smith – Under pressure, underwhelming
All eyes were on Fin Smith to make a statement with Owen Farrell still looming over the fly-half conversation. But instead of stepping up, he produced a performance that did little to settle nerves.
Smith failed to make a major impression in the tour opener against Argentina, looking tentative and overly conservative in key moments.
Things didn’t improve much in his second outing against the Waratahs, where he tried to force the issue in the second half—only for the mistakes to pile up and the game to slip further away from him.
? Test chances: Fading fast. He’s no longer a clear bench option, and others are circling.
Hugo Keenan – Off the boil
After being made to wait for his chance, Keenan finally got his shot against the Waratahs—and it couldn’t have gone much worse.
He opened with a dropped ball under little pressure and followed it with a missed tackle that directly led to a try. Normally so composed and reliable, Keenan looked rattled from the off and never quite found his rhythm or influence on the game.
? Test chances: This was a golden opportunity to nail down a claim. He let it slip through his fingers—literally.
Pierre Schoeman – Scrummaged into trouble
The Lions scrum was meant to be a weapon—but against the Force, it was anything but. Schoeman struggled to hold his ground and was part of a front row that got manhandled far too often.
With Ellis Genge putting in a dominant shift last week, Schoeman’s underwhelming showing couldn’t have come at a worse time. The raw power and aggression he’s known for were notably absent.
? Test chances: He’s still in the mix, but firmly behind the frontrunners now.
Tom Curry – A shadow of his best
This tour was supposed to be Curry’s return to dominance, but so far he’s looked anything but. Against Argentina in the opener and again versus the Reds, Curry seemed a step behind play.
His trademark defensive tenacity was muted, and while he rallied late on with a few solid tackles, the damage was already done. His lack of synergy with the back row around him was noticeable—and concerning.
? Test chances: Still respected, but form has to match reputation. Right now, it doesn’t.
Duhan van der Merwe – Rusty and out of rhythm
The big winger has been one of the Lions’ most electric weapons in recent years, but injuries have clearly disrupted his build-up.
He’s looked off the pace, lacking sharpness both with ball in hand and in defensive positioning. Meanwhile, James Lowe has seized every chance to impress. Duhan’s physicality remains a threat, but his edge seems dulled for now.
? Test chances: Slipping away quickly. Needs a statement game—and soon.
