‘It isn’t just the combination’: Farrell sees strength in Lions’ Scottish trio

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell says there’s more to his all-Scottish midfield combination than just familiarity as they prepare to face Australia.

The creative core of the team will be the fly-half and centre trio of Scots Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, with Ireland’s Bundee Aki having to settle for a place on the bench.

Farrell acknowledged that there was a benefit to the national connection in those roles but says that the three Scots also fit his vision for how the team will play.

“It isn’t just the combination,” he said. “It’s what’s happening off the bench and the impact they can have at any given time.

“There’s obviously no doubt that Bundee can play with Huw and he’s obviously played with Sione as well .

“It’s just making sure that we get the right balance of the impact that we need at any given time.

“Those three starting, they do know each other but they also know the way that this team wants to play.”

Farrell is eagerly anticipating the test against the Wallabies, who are currently ranked eight in the world, and had a clear message for his side.

“Make sure you don’t have regrets and you don’t get in your own way,” he said.

“You don’t want to come off the pitch and think ‘I wish I had another chance’. You’ve got to make it happen when it matters.”