
Rugby
Share
Published 18:16 10 May 2025 BST
Updated 18:16 10 May 2025 BST

After the news that Lions head coach Andy Farrell had 'left the door open' for his son Owen to be called up, Sunday Times writer Stuart Barnes was not particularly pleased.
He took to X to write: "Shame....no form and as for Lions `experience', SCW belief in past it World Champs, the selection of BOD over Jon Davies was an awful error for the 2013 1st test and AWJ was past it in 2021. What has OF done to suggest he has what the Lions need?"
The tweet references the fact that Farrell has been not been in great form for Racing 92, while also not playing for England.
He counters the 'Lions experience' argument by referencing 2005 Lions head coach Clive Woodward and his decision to pick experienced but out-of-form players.
These are fair points, but Barnes made quite the error when stating that 'the selection of BOD over Jon Davies was an awful error for the 2013 1st test'.
Welshman Jonathan Davies did in fact start all three tests against Australia in 2013.
He played inside centre alongside Brian O'Driscoll in the first two tests, with O'Driscoll dropped for the third when Jamie Roberts returned to full fitness.
Furthermore, while he was past his best and not as good as the younger Welsh centres in 2013, BOD was still a world class operator.
And the Irish legend duly responded to Barnes' tweet, writing: "A touch inaccurate on some of the details Stuart!"
Explore more on these topics:
Fan footage shows real culprit of Leinster vs Stormers tunnel brawl
Absolute scenes! In what was a brutally tough encounter this evening between Leinster and the Stormers, in their URC semi-final at the Aviva Stadium. It ultimately finished 20-11 to Leinster, who will now face the Bulls in the final in Dublin. The discipline of the Stormers proved to be there downfall, with the South African […]
Rugby
1 day ago
Simon Zebo delights in Leinster struggles as he slags off Leo Cullen
He just can’t help himself! Leinster, and the club’s set-up, have been highly criticised over the past few weeks after yet another failure in the Champions Cup, with their final loss to Bordeaux. Many fans have been calling for the head of Leo Cullen, with press conferences involving the head coach leading to some tetchy […]
Rugby
1 day ago
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – May 29th to May 31st
Rugby