Ex-England out-half thinks Lions selection shows likely Test partnership

He makes a good point.

Tomorrow we will see the Lions debut of Jamison Gibson-Park, against the Reds.

The Ireland scrum-half returns after a minor injury, having missed the loss to Argentina and the win over the Western Force.

He is the favourite for many to start the Tests against the Wallabies, and former England out-half, Andy Goode, reckons the selection of Finn Russell at No 10 tomorrow reinforces this view.

Russell, who is also favourite to start the Tests, started last Saturday's game against the Western Force, and Goode reckons that the reason he is picked again is to get minutes alongside JGP, as they may not get another opportunity to play with each other until the game against the AUSNZ XV on Saturday week.

In his column for Rugby Pass, Goode wrote: "It’s a surprise to see Finn Russell starting two games in four days but it just shows how important seeing certain combinations is to Andy Farrell right now.

"We’re likely to see something resembling a Test team for the game against the Invitational AU & NZ a week on Saturday but before then it’s all about building cohesion in smaller units and this will be the opportunity to see Russell alongside Jamison Gibson-Park.

"The Ireland scrum-half, who will be making his first appearance of the tour after his strained glute, is the likely Test starter, fitness permitting.

"Farrell will want to see how he links up with Russell and then the Scotland fly-half surely won’t be seen in the number 10 jersey against the Waratahs and Brumbies, so it’s an important game for both players from that perspective."