Finn vs Fin: it’s not just in the name that Lions face tight selection battle

Not surprising, given another fly-half with the same name featuring an extra “n” has been one of the best in the game for the past decade, but a clear problem. The kind of mix-up which had to be nipped in the bud. Bravely assuming the role of pedant, the error was highlighted and we all agreed to be better.

Obviously, not all rugby misspellings are a bad thing. Watching people furiously criticise “Warren Garland” in social media posts – presumably trying to target their vitriol at Warren Gatland, not an imaginary son of Judy – has always been funny. Think about how many scathing post-match ­diatribes have missed their target.

In the case of Finn Russell and Fin Smith, a stand had to be taken for the sake of our collective sanity, given we are about to enter a lengthy debate as to why each fly-half should start in the British and Irish Lions No 10 shirt this summer.

The path to this point, with Russell and Smith clearly emerging as the top two options for arguably the most important position, has been interesting. When Johnny Sexton – former Ireland fly-half, two-time Lions tourist, overlooked four years ago – was appointed as a Lions assistant coach last month, you can imagine the reaction in the Russell camp was somewhat muted.

When promoting his book last year, Sexton was asked who the Lions should start in Australia in 2025. Sexton noted that the Lions needed “Test match animals” and added that the media would want “flashy” Finn Russell. Yikes.

The conversation when Russell and Sexton first link up on Lions duty should end up being a highlight of the inevitable tour documentary.

The problem with being labelled a “flashy” player is that it is often mistranslated to mean “unreliable”. Sure, Russell has a box of tricks which he is more than happy to dive into. There are few better passers in the game, and for all of his out-the-back flicks, the long ball to release Huw Jones against England back in 2018 remains his greatest bit of work.

But the quality of his game management never gets enough love. A recent 50:22 kick against Gloucester – back on the angle, catching out the winger and full-back, the perfect connection sending the ball bouncing to five metres out from the try line – was outstanding.

Russell is not unreliable. He is a box-office match-winner who plays with flair, and clearly should be the starter against the Wallabies this summer. Right? Not necessarily. The fact that we are even having a conversation about Smith usurping Russell as first choice for the Lions is mildly incredible when you remember that England did not give Smith any minutes in the autumn until the final half hour against Japan,  in what was essentially a training run.

Still, the effect he then had on England’s frustrating attack was more or less instant.

Marcus Smith is a delight to watch and brings fireworks, but with Fin Smith, England now appear to have an attacking system, a conspicuous pattern to their play.

The talent was obviously there last season with his key role in Northampton’s Premiership title win, but Test rugby is a different beast. Fin Smith now has four starts, coming into the side after the loss to Ireland, and England have four wins.

Speak to him in person and he comes across as assured and calm. Sometimes, you do not need to overthink it. England with Fin Smith are simply a better team.

So, there are your frontrunners. Marcus Smith, the third No 10 going on tour, is a handy gamebreaker to bring off the bench.

Of those to miss out, the young Leinster and Ireland No 10, Sam Prendergast, clearly has immense talent but needs more time in the oven.

If Owen Farrell was having the same impact at Racing 92 as we have seen Jack Willis and Blair Kinghorn have at Toulouse then he would be in the frame, but that is yet to happen. Sale’s in-form No 10, George Ford, practically a player-coach for England, was an appealing option but a long shot.

Which leaves Finn and Fin, probably in that order. Speaking about the similarities and differences between the two last week, a Premiership defence coach told The Observer that while their kicking games had the same traits, they unlock defences in different ways.

“Russell reads defensive pictures brilliantly to put people into holes with his variety and range of passes,” said the coach.

“Smith is a slightly different threat. He manipulates defences with his running, then puts people into space having created the holes.”

Whether Lions coach Andy Farrell chooses Russell or Smith, they will give Australia plenty to worry about. Just make sure to check your spelling when praising them.

Photograph by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images