Ben's Beliefs: Farrell's ill-discipline should cost him a Lions place

Owen Farrell came off the bench to score a trademark drop goal during Racing 92's victory over Connacht last weekend, but the former England captain was fortunate only to see yellow late on.

The 33-year-old has toured with the Lions three times and has all the attributes of an ultimate tourist: passion, leadership, experience.

Farrell is the all-time leading England points scorer and a serial winner at the highest level. Yet he divides opinion, even in his nation.

His records speak for themselves, and I'm sure that only when he retires will the game finally appreciate his greatness. However, the reason rival nations often can't stand the fly-half is his tackle technique and relationship with referees.

The ex-Saracens fly-half has faced numerous suspensions for dangerous tackles, including a five-game ban in 2020 after almost taking Charlie Atkinson's head off against Wasps.

He also served a two-match ban in 2016, and who could forget his high tackle against Wales in the 2023 World Cup warm-up matches, which meant he missed England's first two matches at the showpiece tournament.

But his tackles that have often gone without punishment, like his collision with Andre Esterhuizen against South Africa in 2017 or Jack Clement in 2023, are equally as memorable.

Racing move has backfired

Farrell looks out of favour at Top 14 strugglers Racing, having endured a torrid time with injuries and the deadeye goal kicker has also surrendered place-kicking duties to scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec. Dan Lancaster started the Parisians quarter-final instead at 10.

Farrell's introduction 47 minutes in saw him roll back the years with a drop goal, but his needless shoulder to the head clearout 76 minutes in on Shane Jennings warranted more.

Was that rush of blood, needless act of foul play an illustration of frustration over a lack of playing time? Who knows, but his father, Andy, can't afford to show nepotism. Not when Sam Prendergast, Fin Smith and Finn Russell are at his disposal.