Farrell is Lions’ key man, not Sexton

Permutations for the Lions back line are pretty extensive but Owen Farrell must be given a jersey regardless of the number, says Will Greenwood.
With the likes of Johny Sexton, Robbie Henshaw and Jonathan Joseph pusghing hard, head coach Warren Gatland will have his work cut out picking the 10, 12, 13 axis that will spearhead his attack.
But one thing is certain for Greenwood, England and Saracens talisman Farrell, right, who has brilliantly combined playing 10 for Saracens and 12 for England for two years,  must be given a starting jersey for the first Test on June 24.
“Farrell has to start,” Greenwood told The Rugby Paper. “It depends what you do with Sexton after that, but Farrell definitely has a jersey.
“He’s a winner and a brilliant rugby player. He’s tough and works both sides of the ball. He’s been at the heart of England’s 18 wins on the spin and Saracens’ winning three out of four trophies in two seasons, only losing to a driving maul on the last play in Exeter.
“If you want to have Sexton at No.10 then Farrell has to be at inside centre with Joseph at 13.
“If you use Farrell at fly-half you can have Henshaw and Joseph in midfield or as an outside bet, Jared Payne. Joseph would be my favourite at outside centre because of his outside break and his ability to score tries. But defence coach Andy Farrell might prefer Payne who’s played there for Ireland and beat all the Southern Hemisphere teams last year.
“Jonathan Davies is down the pecking order but he won a series in 2013. It’s amazing what can happen and he could be first choice in a couple of weeks. ”
However Greenwood says Elliot Daly is “too light” for the highest level, at 15st 3lbs and 6ft. He added: “I’d have said he had a chance back in the autumn but I don’t think he’ll be used as an outside centre this summer because he’s a bit too lightweight.
“He’s been exposed a couple of times like in the Champions Cup quarter-final against Leinster. He’s tough and he’s a fantastic player, but a fraction light.
“I think we’re more likely to see him with the No.11 on his back kicking goals from 60 metres.”
The Lions have been criticised for their gruelling schedule but Greenwood, a three-tour veteran, knows the six games before the first Test will be crucial.
He added: “The players would probably prefer to go straight into the Test series but matches will help create the physical and mental bond they’ll need to win.
The British & Irish Lions first Test against New Zealand starts on 24 June, exclusively on Sky Sports. It is part of the biggest ever summer of sport on Sky Sports, which also includes the ICC Champion’s Trophy, The Open and F1.
NICK VERDIER