British and Irish Lions: Five talking points from squad announcement

Marcus Smith is in at 10 and as cover at 15, with Blair Kinghorn likely to miss the first two or three games because of his commitments with French club Toulouse.

Elliot Daly is another who can deputise as 15. Scotland would have been hoping to get Tom Jordan picked in that utility role but it’s fallen to Daly instead.

There was a world of speculation around the 10s.

A big campaign had formed around Owen Farrell, sparked in part by Johnny Sexton, the Lions assistant coach, who said previously that he would pick him in his Test squad.

Through injury and lack of form in France with Racing, Farrell Jr – son of boss Andy – doesn’t make it. Wonder what Sexton made of that in the selection meeting. His man – out.

Farrell Sr may not have wanted the circus of having his son in the squad and, quite possibly, Owen wouldn’t have wanted to be part of it either. Intrigue there.

Ireland’s Sam Prendergast also had a bandwagon, but the wheels fell off in a disastrous display against Northampton on Saturday.

Some old characters were tipping there would be no Finn Russell in this squad. He’s there and his battle with the brilliant tyro Fin Smith for Test starts will be exhilarating.