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.

British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell says he understands the criticism of his decision to call-up son Owen, but insists the veteran is the right choice to replace the injured Elliot Daly.

The controversial injection of Owen Farrell into the British & Irish Lions squad a day before Saturday’s clunky 21-10 win over the Waratahs in Sydney raises the possibility of the now four-time Lions tourist fixing a fundamental problem that is dogging the class of 2025: a dire lack of continuity, concentration and consistent front-foot ball.