Picture the Outrage: Nepotism Allegations Loom as Farrell Contemplates Lions’ Six Nations Turnaround

The recent decline of Ireland in the Six Nations adds an intriguing twist to this year’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

After being crowned champions in 2023 and 2024, Ireland relinquished their title to France this year, finishing in third place without their head coach Andy Farrell at the helm.

Nevertheless, the Irish side, under the guidance of Simon Easterby, maintained competitiveness, recording a 4-1 win-loss record against strong opponents like France and England.

Bonus points were crucial for the high-scoring French team, which set a new tournament record by scoring 30 tries.

Meanwhile, Farrell observed the competition from the sidelines, preparing for his role as Lions coach in 2025.

An Irish hat-trick in the Six Nations would have made it straightforward for him to populate the Lions squad with familiar faces.

However, the resurgence of England may necessitate a reconsideration of selections at the table.

The Lions squad is set to be announced at the O2 Arena in London on May 8.

“There may be a few Irish players who were in contention, but may not make the final cut,” said former Wallabies back Morgan Turinui during a segment of Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.

NEW PODCAST! The Between Two Posts team delves into Reds coach Les Kiss’ bid to replace Joe Schmidt as the Wallabies’ coach

Choosing a squad and identifying a starting XV from four intensely competitive nations has historically been a contentious and politically charged affair that can fracture Lions teams.

In a bid to avoid any fallout, Between Two Posts sought input from former Wallabies scrumhalf Nick Phipps to assemble his Lions lineup for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on July 19.

Phipps, who has extensive experience in the Northern Hemisphere, played under Les Kiss at London Irish from 2019 to 2022.

Among his selections, the seasoned player included a significant number of Irish players, specifically Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, and James Lowe.

One notable surprise was Phipps’ decision to include England’s Owen Farrell in the No.10 jersey.

Farrell, recognised for being the son of league star Andy, hasn’t donned an England jersey since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

At 33, he is ineligible to represent England as he plays for Racing 92 in Paris.

However, Farrell remains free to include his talented son, who stands as the second-highest points scorer in Test rugby history with 1,271.

“I selected Owen Farrell as my 10, yet the selection remains flexible,” Phipps noted.

“None of the other fly-halfs have made significant claims to the position this season.

“You’ve got (England’s) Marcus Smith, who will definitely be on the plane… (Ireland’s) Sam Prendergast likely needs a couple more Six Nations to truly establish himself as a top option.

“Finn Russell from Scotland will understandably be selected, although he faced some challenges during this series. In the 2021 Lions series, he had a fantastic third Test performance.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Farrell makes the squad. Who wouldn’t want a bit of nepotism? He’s a proven winner and he upholds a high standard.

“Although he has had a few injuries over in France this season, he’s the ultimate competitor and professional.

“Expect them to assemble a formidable forward pack. Many will look at Australia and see us as potentially thin in that area, and they will likely aim to dominate us in the forwards.

The Guardian’s Robert Kitson also shared his thoughts on the Lions’ playmaker conundrum, a debate likely to continue for several months.

“Farrell Snr must trust his instincts and recognise the tactical transformation Fin Smith has brought to England since stepping into the starting position,” wrote Kitson.

“Only three weeks prior, Smith would have ranked low on the selection list, behind the talented Prendergast. Now, it seems critical to include the young Englishman, while preferring the inexperienced Irish fly-half could be considered quite controversial.

“So, where does that place the increasingly versatile Marcus Smith, not to mention Farrell Jr, who is set to return to action with Racing 92? There would undoubtedly be a significant uproar should one be left out in favour of the head coach’s son, regardless of the latter’s current absence from Test rugby.

A wiser approach might be to choose Russell, both Smiths, and keep Owen on standby, mindful that the former England captain could step in seamlessly if the need arises.

The Associated Press’ Foster Niumata also curated an intriguing Lions XV influenced by Six Nations performances.

The AP’s collection highlights six Irish players, four each from England and Scotland, with only Jac Morgan representing Wales.

Notably, just four players in the AP’s squad have previous Lions experience: locks Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne, flanker Tom Curry, and Russell.

Tom Jordan, among three players born in New Zealand, was a surprise choice, seamlessly integrating into the Scottish backline in place of Australian Sione Tuipulotu.

PHIPPS’ LIONS XV (15-1): Elliot Daly, Duhan van der Merwe, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe, Owen Farrell, Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Jac Morgan, Tadgh Beirne, Maro Itoje, Tadgh Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter

AP’S LIONS XV (15-1): Blair Kinghorn, Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, James Lowe, Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris (c), Jac Morgan, Tom Curry, Tadhg Beirne, Maro Itoje, Will Stuart, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter