
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:

Leinster and Munster fans debate footage of alleged ‘groin grab’ in derby
Big allegations! The big story coming out of yesterday’s match was the allegation made by Munster’s Gavin Coombes. The No 8 alleged that he had been grabbed in the groin by a Leinster player at a ruck. At the time, the TMO and referee had a look at the alleged incident, but could not find […]
Rugby
4 days ago
We picked our Munster – Leinster combined XV of the 21st century
A sensational team! With Leinster welcoming Munster to the Aviva Stadium today, here is our combined XV of the 21st century. Argue amongst yourselves! Loosehead prop – Cian Healy One of the easier selection in the side, without disrespecting the other options. The Leinsterman was really just that good, and was a true trailblazer as […]
Rugby
5 days ago
Rugby
We picked our 34-man Ireland squad for November’s Nations Championship
Rugby