- Lions cruise to eight-try win on first game on Australian soil
- Russell pulls the strings in attack to stake his claim to be the Test fly-half
- Sir Clive says Bath stand-off Russell will be the difference in the Test series
Finn Russell inspired the British and Irish Lions to victory over Western Force on Saturday – underlining his case to start at fly-half in the Test series against Australia.
Russell was at the peak of his powers as the Lions routed their hosts in Perth to get their tour under way with a dominant 54-7 victory.
In the first half especially, the Scotland star was pivotal in the creation of two tries for his team and was the best player on the field.
After a trophy-laden season with Bath at club level, Russell has carried his form Down Under and Mail Sport columnist Sir Clive Woodward insists he MUST start against the Wallabies if he remains fit.
Sir Clive said: ‘I’ve been a big fan of Russell for a long time. He guided the Lions expertly at fly-half, emphasising his place as the leading contender to be the Test playmaker.
‘He takes the right options at the right times. He doesn’t overplay when he doesn’t need to, picking the correct passes. He will take some dislodging.
Sione Tuipulotu hails Scotland and Lions team-mate Finn Russell at full-time
Finn Russell kicked five conversions in the victory over Western Force
‘I think Russell will be the difference in the Test series. Simply put, the Lions have to have him in their team. Australia, meanwhile, do not have a player of his calibre.’
The Lions are on red alert to fly-out a new scrum-half after Tomos Williams suffered a hamstring in the victory over the Western Force.
Williams scored twice at the Optus Stadium and must now await medical reports before Andy Farrell decides whether to bring in a replacement.
Scotland scrum-half Ben White would be the most likely candidate, given he is currently on tour in New Zealand and could join the squad in Brisbane on Sunday night.
‘Tomos has come off holding his hamstring,’ said Farrell. ‘We will only know in the morning. I don’t what the timings are but you have to let these things settle down and give it a little bit of space.
‘We need to talk about that and assess that and make the right call for the group. He was playing well and I am sure there is a bit of concern there but you can only deal with the here and now so fingers crossed.’
Farrell revealed that fellow scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is fit to return for Wednesday’s match against the Queensland Reds, easing the pressure on his No 9 reserves.
Welsh scrum-half Tomos Williams leaves the field after picking up an injury
Scotland scrum-half Ben White is in pole position for a Lions call up
Williams’ injury marred a high-scoring victory in Perth, where the Lions’ contingent of Kiwi, Australian and South African players were mocked by the stadium announcer.
Western Force skipper Nic White felt the Lions were refereed on reputation, meaning decisions went in favour of the tourists.
‘There was probably a bit of perception that we wouldn’t be able to live with them, so we didn’t get any reward,’ said White. ‘That should change after tonight, definitely.’
Western Force coach Simon Cron revealed he is happy to share information with other Australian provinces as they plot to bring down the touring side.
‘The other franchises will take a few learnings from tonight,’ said Cron. You always get a bit more out of the second game.
‘In Australia, one of the big things that been changing is that everyone works for the greater good. I think everybody will in turn look at each other’s games and ask the odd question. We’re really open to talking to all of them, for the country.’
