Ugo Monye – Andy Farrell will either opt for all-Scottish or all-Irish centre partnership for the British and Irish Lions

As the British and Irish Lions prepare for their opening Test against Australia next Saturday in Brisbane, Ugo Monye weighed in on the positional debates ahead of the first Test, including Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell. 

A former England winger and veteran of the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa, Monye is now a pundit, and there are few people able to give a more informed opinion about the Lions. 

Drawing from his own experiences in the red jersey, Monye is well aware that the team are still ironing out the creases after a slow start to the tour. 

At the heart of the discussion is the role of Marcus Smith. A dynamic playmaker seen as a natural fly-half, Smith has been used in a more hybrid capacity so far on this tour. 

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Marcus Smith

“Andy Farrell from the outset said that Marcus Smith is a 10 that can play 15 or 15 that can play 10,” Monye explained.  

That versatility has proven useful, especially in the recent game against the Brumbies, where Smith came off the bench, scored a vital try just before half time, and added another layer to the Lions’ attack with his ball-playing skills.  

“His preferred position is at 10, but the Lions see him predominantly as a 15 and 15 cover.” 

While a starting role in the Test team may be out of reach for Smith, Monye believes he could still make a significant impact. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone like Marcus Smith in the Test 23 but being utilised off the bench.” 

Owen Farrell

Another high-profile name that’s drawn attention is Owen Farrell. 

With injury setbacks disrupting his season, Farrell’s inclusion in the squad raised questions about his role, given that he replaced versatile back Elliot Daly and doesn’t appear to fill any of the positional gaps left by the Saracen.  

For Monye, Farrell’s experience remains invaluable, even if his chances of starting are slim. 

“A fully fit Owen Farrell can add something to any team,” he said.

“Do I think he’s a Test starter on this tour? Not at present. Certainly not at 10. I think that’s Finn Russell’s shirt most definitely.”  

He went on to say that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Farrell featuring from the bench, providing leadership and control in the latter stages of a match. 

When pressed on who his nailed-on starters are, Monye didn’t hesitate and listed off a few names. 

“Dan Sheehan, Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, Tommy Freeman.” 

It’s a strong core but as he noted, there’s still plenty to play for. 

“You don’t want to have the Test team absolutely nailed on eight days before the match. Competition breeds performance and performance breeds results. It’s a simple equation.” 

That competition has been fierce in the midweek fixtures. Monye singled out several players who’ve caught his eye, including Finlay Bealham, a late call-up who’s made a strong impression. 

“He’s someone that you can imagine has got a shot.”  

Jac Morgan also stood out at openside, though the depth at number seven makes it a tough race. 

There’s even room for a huge bolter in Henry Pollock, the youngest tourist. 

“If he goes well tomorrow, he could find himself in a Test 23,” said Monye. 

Centre Partnership

Centre partnerships remain one of the more open debates. Monye weighed in on how he thinks the position will pan out for the first Test, with familiarity seeming to be the key. 

“I think you’ll either get a ready-made Irish partnership of (Bundee) Aki and (Garry) Ringrose or you’ll get (Sione) Tuipulotu and (Huw) Jones.” 

But while individual brilliance is essential, there are concerns about how the Lions are starting games.  

“They’ve conceded a try in four out of the five games within the first 11 minutes.”  

“When you’re away from home and trying to get into the game, fast starts are really important. We’ve not seen it.”  

He acknowledged that the coaching team will be fully aware of the issue.  

“I’ve got the stats, they’ve got the stats, and they’re out there training and trying to fix it. So I’m hoping that’ll be a focus come tomorrow.” 

Wallabies

Looking ahead to the Wallabies, Monye notes the experience of James O’Connor, a player with over a decade of international rugby behind him.  

“He made his debut when he was at school. He’s been around the block,” Monye said.  

With Noah Lolesio out due to needing neck surgery, O’Connor’s inclusion gives Australia a seasoned option at fly-half. 

Finally, Monye’s prediction for how the whole series would play out was a 2-1 series win for the Lions. 

Ugo Monye was speaking to The Rugby Paper on behalf of Prime Casino. For more information, visit https://www.primecasino.co.uk/

By Charlie Elliott