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The Lions tactical call that Andy Farrell admits 'gutted' him
By Ian Cameron reporting from Sydney
British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell admits he was “gutted” to leave scrum-half Alex Mitchell unused in the second Test against Australia in Melbourne last weekend.
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Mitchell, 28, has been involved in all 10 matches on the 2025 tour but did not take the field in the series-clinching victory, with Farrell opting to keep him on the bench throughout.
The Lions will conclude the series with the third Test in Sydney on Saturday and Mitchell has once again been named on the replacements list.
“I was gutted actually,” said Farrell. “I was gutted that I couldn’t get him on at the weekend, but that was the nature of the Test… holding someone back there.
“I’ve obviously been talking to him all the way through and he’s just loved the whole concept and just getting on and playing.
“Training is so important for preparation, but these lads have been training all their life for these moments. And you’ve seen it work.”
Mitchell has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past two years for Northampton Saints and England, cementing himself as Borthwick’s first-choice No.9 after an unexpected recall during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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He scored the winning try to secure Northampton’s first Premiership title in a decade and was a standout in England’s best Six Nations campaign in five years.
Team ethos to one side, Mitchell will no doubt be hoping that he’ll be able to enjoy some on-field moments as the Lions look to seal the deal in style at the Accor Stadium.
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