‘I find it very strange' – Scots rugby great blasts Andy Farrrell for calling up son Owen for Lions over Scotland star
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SCOTLAND rugby hero Craig Chalmers has poured scorn over British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell's decision to call up his son Owen - at the expense of Scotland wing Darcy Graham.
Many commentators felt the lively Graham was hugely unfortunate to be overlooked for the original test squad.
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And iconic Scotland fly half Chalmers reckons Graham was unlucky again when Elliot Daly broke a forearm in the 52-25 win over Queensland Reds and was forced to travel home.
Chalmers, 56. who won 60 caps for Scotland, wrote on X: "I'm delighted for Owen Farrell, but I find it very strange he's been called up to the Lions to replace Elliot Daly.
"Surely we already have two fantastic 10s and a stacked midfield. Surely Scotland's Darcy Graham should be making his way to Australia. Thoughts!"
Andy Farrell said yesterday that the arrival of his son would 'inject a bit of life and experience' - despite the fact he hasn't played Test rugby for 20 months and has struggled for form and fitness.
Owen stepped away from Test rugby last January to 'prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing'.
He also isn't a like-for-like positional swap for Daly, although with 112 caps for England and six Lions Test appearances, he's got a bucketful of experience.
Four Scotland players, meanwhile, have been named in the starting line-up for Saturday's clash with the New South Wales Waratahs.
Farrell includes Edinburgh prop Pierre Schoeman, Glasgow Warriors duo Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, and Toulouse star Blair Kinghorn for the Sydney showdown.
The Lions are bidding to make it three wins out of three down under following victories over Western Force and Queensland Reds.
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