British & Irish Lions: Farrell explains Marcus Smith and Henry Pollock selections

Smith has spent the bulk of his career in the flyhalf shirt but in recent times has also been seen in the 15 shirt too, notably playing there for four of England's Six Nations Tests this year.

The flyhalf position, and particularly the use of Smith, was one of many hotly contested spots in Farrell's touring party. Finn Russell and Smith's England teammate Fin Smith seemed the two likeliest to make the cut, but Owen Farrell, Sam Prendergast and George Ford were also in contention.

Smith's name was also thrown into the ring, primarily as a utility option though, and Farrell detailed that it is one of the key factors behind his selection within his 38-man squad.

"Marcus isn't competing with George Ford or Sam Prendergast, because he can play 10,15 or 15, 10. Those lads are competing with Finn (Russell) and Fin (Smith)," the head coach said.

He added: "For a player who gets thought about in a couple of different positions, you'd think 'I want to nail down a position' or 'I want to be a starter' etc, but what it does do for a tour like this; we all know the schedule, it's about the preparation, the training and sometimes people being able to slot into a different position because with all the permutations that could happen."

Smith has had a turbulent season, both at club and Test level, but he still remains one of the brightest attacking threats in Europe. Across the Six Nations, Smith made an impressive 366 metres ball-in-hand from his 44 carries - an average of 8.32 metres per carry - beat 13 defenders and made three linebreaks as well.

That is more than matched with his numbers for Harlequins too, with Smith notching an even greater 497 meters from his 75 carries - an average of 6.63 per carry - beaten 34 defenders and making 10 linebreaks.

His attacking output has not been ignored by Farrell either, and the head coach detailed that this is the best occasion to unleash him.

"It's awesome," he said. "I think we've all seen that (he has X-factor). He relishes the occasion, and there's none bigger than a Lions tour."

Farrell was also asked about the selection of 20-year-old England star Henry Pollock, saying he was confident the young flanker is ready for the big stage in Australia.

Pollock has enjoyed a meteoric rise already this season after making his England debut in the Six Nations, while he was also one of the stars of the show for Northampton Saints in their shock semi-final victory over Leinster in the Champions Cup.

One thing that has been thrown at him is his age and inexperience. Pollock has just one Test cap to his name and has only made 27 senior appearances for the Saints too, but Farrell has put his full support behind the back-rower.

"It's not just about the last month or so," Farrell said. "As a rugby coach, you look at who's on the upward curve and when you see a player, doesn't matter what age, who's performing like he has; and people have been waiting to see whether he can do it in the big games or do it consistently, it's there for all to see.

He added: "If you're good enough, you're old enough. I've heard a lot of stuff, not just about Pollock but all youngsters, that they're confident and cocky; but what do we want? Do we want a kid to show his confidence at 23, 24 or at 20? It's about the here and now. If he's performing against the quality that he has been doing, then he's ready.

"You can see the fight in him, and I'm sure he'll push all the others who didn't realise he was coming. He should relish that."

Pollock faces an almighty battle to break into the Test side, however, with Jac Morgan, Tom Curry, Ben Earl and Josh van der Flier all options to start at flanker.

READ MORE: Andy Farrell reveals 2025 British & Irish Lions squad with Maro Itoje at the helm