Gerry Thornley: Sexton is still a better Test outhalf than Farrell, Russell or Biggar

The Leinster squad had a down day on Thursday, which was perhaps just as well, even if a fifth night quarantining in the Radisson Blu in Stillorgan, before another five nights at home, will have been a decidedly mixed experience for many of them.

Most obviously, being named in the Lions squad will have been considerable consolation for the four Leinster men named in the Lions squad, Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, Jack Conan and Robbie Henshaw.

Conan was a relative surprise, albeit he is on good form and deserves an upturn in his fortunes, but set against this was the non-selection of Johnny Sexton, James Ryan and Garry Ringrose, which means this is Leinster’s lowest contingent since the 2001 tour when Brian O’Driscoll was the only player from the province.

Since then they have had six (2005), five (2009), six again (2013) and five again (2017).

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The absence of Ringrose is made more galling by the wrong decision to pick Jonathan Joseph ahead of him four years ago

Lest we forget, Leinster have just retained the Pro14 for the fourth season running and, more pertinently, advanced further than any other Pro14 or Premiership side in the Heineken Champions Cup. But it’s as if they’ve been punished for beating Exeter, given Warren Gatland cited Ryan’s performance in last Sunday’s semi-final defeat by La Rochelle against Will Skelton, along with last September’s quarter-final defeat by Saracens’ Maro Itoje and co, as something of a failed litmus test for the battles ahead in South Africa.

Loaves-and-fishes job

Nor did being left with a loaves-and-fishes job in the second half do Ringrose any favours, even if Leinster’s problems were up front or inside him. Being ruled out of that game with a precautionary six-week concussion lay-off effectively did for Sexton’s chances, but both omissions have contributed to the biggest misgivings about this Lions squad.

Sexton is still a better Test outhalf than any of Owen Farrell, Finn Russell or Dan Biggar. He’s proved this on previous tours and previous Six Nations, and again in the 2021 Six Nations, when having the most minutes, scoring the most points and having the biggest influence at 10. As in 2013 and 2017, the Lions’ chances in the Test series would be better for having him in the team, never mind the squad. His absence weakens them.

The absence of Ringrose is made more galling by the wrong decision to pick Jonathan Joseph ahead of him four years ago. Ringrose has more creative flair, footwork and passing range than any of the centres chosen. His missed tackle count has always been misunderstood, for in most cases they are good reads directing opponents back into traffic inside.

Elliot Daly’s inclusion in the squad as a left-footed kicking option, all the more so from the tee in the high veldt, is understandable, but he has no form to speak of at Test level, least of all at 13. Chris Harris is a strong defender with a good kicking game but hasn’t torn up trees at Test level or left many indelible imprints as a creative attacking force.

Many in Ireland don't seem to fully appreciate Conor Murray, but his status as a worthy three-time tourist sets him apart as an Irish scrumhalf

Thinking back on the impact O’Driscoll and Jonathan Davies had in the last four tours at outside centre, these Lions appear to be seriously missing some stardust in that key creative position without Ringrose, Davies or Henry Slade.

Gatland’s capacity for surprises remains undimmed, with four players who might be considered relative bolters in Sam Simmonds, Conan, Harris and Aki. The latter, who is in his seventh season with Connacht, becomes the first player from the province since Ciaran Fitzgerald captained the Lions in 1983. (Strictly speaking, John O’Driscoll was playing with London Irish then.)

Much to admire

Otherwise there’s much to admire in the squad’s balance, ranging from the veteran skipper Alun Wyn Jones to the fearless Louis Rees-Zammit. There’s a particularly promising blend in the outside backs, with plenty of versatility and cutting edge.

Many in Ireland don’t seem to fully appreciate Conor Murray, but his status as a worthy three-time tourist sets him apart as an Irish scrumhalf. Alas, along with Tadhg Beirne, this accounts for Munster’s representation, a far cry from the mighty eight when the original squad for 2009 was named. Iain Henderson is Ulster’s sole representative and, after drawing the short straw when a stand-out midweek presence four years ago, he could tear it up.

Gatland and co have been courageous in their choice of loose forwards, which has plenty of dynamic ball-carriers with good footwork as well as good line-out options and threats over the ball.

There’s also a nice blend of experienced Lions tourists and newcomers, with 18 from previous ventures (including the four-time skipper and six on their third tour) and 19 first-timers.

Knowing Gatland, he’s also been assiduous in his homework on the personalities due to board the plane to South Africa, with no bad eggs included. For in these times, this tour will not be the barrel of laughs of yore.