Sam Prendergast could become clear frontrunner for Lions starting berth if Ireland can see off France
Andy Farrell may look to his prodigy Prendergast to start against Australia this summer
©PA
As Finn Russell’s conversion sailed wide of the posts, Scotland’s fly-half looked to the heavens.
It was a reaction which summed up a frustrating afternoon for the 32-year-old who missed all three of his kicks as Scotland lost 16-15 to England in Round Three of the Six Nations.
In truth, Russell has struggled to be at his sparkingly best during these championships so far.
Replaced after just 22 minutes against Ireland following a head injury, the Bath fly-half hasn’t been able to put a serious imprint on the tournament in what is British and Irish Lions year.
Before this Six Nations, many people’s favourite to be the Lions No.10 this summer would have been the Scottish maverick however, the debate around who might be Andy Farrell’s first choice out in Australia is starting to grow.
Russell will undoubtedly be determined to bounce back when Scotland host Wales this coming Saturday but a starting berth ‘Down Under’ might not be as nailed on as it once was.
Especially when you consider the other candidates who have put themselves in contention during the opening three rounds of the Six Nations...
Fin Smith
Having taken over the England fly-half shirt in the last two rounds of the tournament, the Northampton man has stepped up in the biggest moments. Slotting over crucial kicks against France and Scotland - as well as putting in a huge defensive effort in the Calcutta Cup clash - could make Smith stand out from other options.
With the England 10 shirt seemingly being his for the rest of the tournament, Smith now needs to show he can get their backline going against Italy and Wales to prove his case further.
Added to this, if England can have a successful end to the championships - perhaps even winning the competition if results fall their way - that will only enhance Smith’s chances despite his inexperience.
Sam Prendergast
For me, arguably the current favourite for the shirt for a few reasons.
If he is the 10 that plays in an Irish Grand Slam-winning side, it would be hard to deny the 21-year-old a start in that first Lions Test in Brisbane.
His partnership with Jamison Gibson-Park - who is the out-and-out favourite for that scrum-half position - as well as the fact we know Farrell is a huge fan of the Leinster man - puts him in a healthy place in the pecking order.
His defence is something that could go against him after missing eight tackles against Wales in the last round and like Fin Smith, his inexperience could also be a factor.
However, Prendergast has shown brilliant game management so far this tournament and the ability to spiral kick the ball 60 metres nearly every time is a game-winning asset.
With France to come in Dublin on Saturday, and with the first Six Nations three-peat still on their radar, Prendergast has the opportunity to orchestrate another win for Ireland whilst showcasing his ability on the biggest of stages.
Marcus Smith
Before the Six Nations, Smith was seen as Russell’s biggest competition, but due to his switch to full-back - despite the Quins man playing well there - his chances of being on the plane to Australia are being decreased by not being able to put his mark on games as the main man.
I wouldn't say there is much chance of him starting at full-back for the Lions so for the final two games in the Six Nations, Smith needs to have the ball in hand to show everyone his USP is his running game and fabulous footwork.
Perhaps against Italy and Wales - who currently sit fifth and sixth in the table - might give him the best chance to do this but for me, it may not even be in an England shirt where Smith can solidify his Lions place.
Three weeks after the conclusion of the Six Nations, Smith’s club side Harlequins face Leinster in the quarter-finals of the Investec Champions Cup at Croke Park.
If he can help his side pull off a win - or even get close to that despite being huge underdogs - playing and running a team that is in his own style rather than the more pragmatic way we see him play for England might be the perfect Lions audition for Smith.
And of course, against a rival in Prendergast, he can show why he can be a crucial asset to the Lions.
Finn Russell
And we shall end where we started.
Russell is the most experienced of the contenders I have spoken about but in the crucial moments in this tournament, he has not been able to deliver.
Ironically, he had his best game against England and got the Scottish backline flowing well, but I spoke about moments being important and things that coaches may remember and missing all of his conversions and the game-winning kick is something that might stick in Farrell’s mind despite Russell’s unquestionable quality.
You want your fly-half to be able to deliver in the biggest moments and Lions tours are made up of those moments.
Who will go and who will start?
There is a world where all four go especially with Marcus Smith’s versatility, but if - as expected - three fly halves are picked, I believe that despite being in spectacular form it could be Fin Smith who misses out.
I can’t see Russell not going mainly due to his experience and his unique skillset, and having two inexperienced Test fly halves in Prendergast and Fin Smith could be a risk.
I believe that Marcus offers something so different to the others that he has to go and in terms of Prendergast, he is Farrell’s prodigy.
To almost contradict myself though, if the Northampton fly-half carries on showing up in big moments, I could see him starting the first Test but right now, it feels like Prendergast will be in the No.10 jersey come July 19th in Brisbane.
With two rounds to go in the Six Nations, there is still time for one of these contenders to become the frontrunner but who knows, with Farrell as head coach, he could throw a spanner in the works and pick a certain number 10 who is currently across the channel in France...
