Russell primed for Lions, insists Geech
IAN McGeehan says Scotland’s Finn Russell should be one of Warren Gatland’s three Lions outsidehalves in South Africa this summer.
Russell helped orchestrate a Scottish win in Paris for the first time since 1995 on Friday night, with a French defeat handing Wales the 2021 Six Nations Championship.
Russell was superb for the visitors, especially with the boot, with his long-range pinpoint accuracy putting Scotland in good positions all evening.
McGeehan also believes Owen Farrell will definitely be picked despite his poor form, meaning either Johnny Sexton or Dan Biggar would miss out.
He told the BBC: “I would take Finn Russell because you sometimes need that little bit of magic.
“But he showed again in Paris that he is a very good tactical kicker.
“You sometimes need that little bit of magic, particularly against South Africa to break a game up, but also have a kicking structure and variety that puts them under pressure and I thought he showed it again, particularly in the first half against France.
“Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton have got that Lions experience. Farrell on the last tour played at 12 which I think does help him.
“He’s one player who responds in that Lions environment when he’s playing with other good players that he doesn’t play with on a regular basis.
“Dan Biggar has come on to the scene (again), particularly in this tournament.
“I think he (Gatland) will take three (fly-halves) because there ultimately could be four Test matches depending on how the fixtures pan out.
“There are going to be back-to-back Test matches which are a big call on anybody. Who will miss out? I’m pleased he’s got to make that decision and not me.”
He added in his Telegraph column: “I still think Farrell will go, despite the criticism he has come under. Gats knows him and trusts him. The fact that he can play 10 or 12 is also a huge card in his favour, giving Gatland options on the pitch.”