“I’d pick Owen Farrell. Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals.”

Back in October when he was asked by the Times who should start at fly-half, external for the first Test against the Wallabies, Johnny Sexton was retired from playing, working for a glass company and publicising his autobiography.

Now, intriguingly, Sexton has been signed up as a coach for the tour.

The fallout would be substantial, but head coach Andy Farrell might judge selecting his son worth it.

With little Lions Test experience among other potential 10s, three-time tourist Farrell brings an accountability and intensity few can match.

Even as a 21-year-old tour rookie in Australia in 2013, his communication and leadership were picked out as an example to the rest of the squad by captain Alun Wyn Jones.

Farrell has endured a difficult, injury-interrupted season with French club Racing 92, though he and his team have come into some welcome form recently, winning five out of seven matches since the former Saracen’s comeback from a groin problem in March.

However, his final chance to press his case ended early when a head knock forced an early exit from Sunday’s European Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Lyon