On the list of the most erudite British and Irish Lions players, Maro Itoje must feature near the top. Of those I have interviewed on the last seven tours, perhaps only Tom Court, the former Ulster and Ireland prop,

Maro Itoje insists Owen Farrell could still do a job for England and admits he was stunned by the reaction to the fly-half’s Lions call-up. Farrell, who landed down under on Friday, was the target of boo boys when he was in the stands at Saturday’s Sydney clash with the Waratahs.

Owen Farrell’s curveball call-up by the British and Irish Lions has been welcomed by his new teammates as the former England captain was praised for his high standards and leadership qualities.