Ben's Beliefs: Ford's an outside bet for Lions 10

Lions fans have been pondering whether Sam Prendergast or Fin Smith are experienced enough to lead the side at 10 down under this summer. Is Finn Russell reliable enough from the tee after a misfiring Six Nations? Can full-back convert, the entertaining maverick Marcus Smith, return to 10 and lead the legendary red jersey? Or will head coach Andy Farrell turn to the leadership of his son Owen, who has credit in the bank, having gone on three tours previously?

The fly-half option people seem to have forgotten about is the understated, humble but flair-ridden George Ford.

Ford's 25-minute spell at the Principality Stadium against Wales was his only rugby of the Six Nations, but he set up two of England's four tries while he was on the field.

The soon to be Test centurion has never toured with the Lions, and at 32 it's likely his final chance.

On Friday night, Ford set up two of Sale Sharks' five tries and kicked 14 points as he ran the game from 10 at Kingston Park in a 39-15 win.

Ford was orchestrating his teammates; he had a kicking percentage of 86%, while he provided the highlight of the match with a gorgeous cross kick for Joe Carpenter to slide down on to score, as a sign of a player at the top of his powers.

The Oldham-born playmaker has shown throughout his career that he's one of the best in the world at playing flat to the line, putting attackers through holes.

Making other people look good is what George Ford does best and while his missed drop goal against New Zealand - courtesy of a horrific set up and pass by Harry Randall - seems to have brought him down the England 10 pecking order, a Premiership title charge with Sale could be the catalyst to provide his maiden Lions voyage.

Especially if Andy Farrell wants a 10 comfortable with dropping into the pocket for a drop goal…