We have a big squad and plenty of cover if Hogg doesn’t make it says Lions defence coach Farrell

Andy Farrell believes the British and Irish Lions will be in no rush to call up a replacement if Stuart Hogg is ruled out of the New Zealand tour, writes Nick Purewal.

Luckless Scotland full-back Hogg collided accidentally with Conor Murray’s elbow in Saturday’s 12-3 win over the Crusaders. The Glasgow flyer is still sweating on the outcome of specialist examinations on his cheek, but defence coach Farrell believes the Lions boast a good array of alternative options.

Jared Payne will slot in at No 15 for today’s Highlanders clash, with Elliot Daly and Anthony Watson also comfortable at full-back – and Leigh Halfpenny also a specialist.

“Warren (Gatland) will give Stuart all the time he needs to make sure he’s right,” said Farrell, pictured, of Hogg’s injury situation.

“We’ll just wait for the outcome, but, at this point in time, we’ve got a big squad and a lot of people in place to cover different positions.

“We picked a bigger squad this time round than we did for the last tour, simply because of the schedule – not just the games but the travel time and the amount of time we’re going to have on the training field together. We’re through a few of those games now, and, obviously, after Tuesday night it will be one less.

“Jon Davies is good, he’s on track with his protocols after his head injury.

“And Dan Biggar has been smashing me all morning, so he’s fine and ready.”

Wales star Biggar will start at stand-off, having shaken off his own head injury issue, and has ranked himself as the Lions’ current thirdchoice 10. Biggar feels he currently trails Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell in the race, but defence coach Farrell believes the Ospreys man has been too hard on himself. “I think it’s a bit harsh for him to say he’s third choice from his point of view,” said Farrell of Biggar’s candid assessment of his own Lions status. “Because he got a head knock in the first game and hasn’t had that much game time.

“The other boys have played since and played pretty well but Dan’s in the hot seat on Tuesday night and looking forward to it.

“I don’t think it’s a pressure situation, it’s a group that needs to keep on building and the message to the boys this morning about Tuesday is we’re building our plan, the things that we do behind the scenes as well as what we do on the pitch.

“That’s team harmony, team systems, team togetherness, and Dan’s in charge of that on Tuesday night.”