Finn Russell backed to steer Lions to victory as the majestic Scotsman prepares to take centre stage in first test against Australia

Finn Russell has been backed to lead the Lions to victory as the majestic No 10 prepares for the biggest game of his career in the series opener against Australia.

The 32-year-old Scotsman will start a Lions test for the first time in front of a sold-out crowd at the Suncorp Stadium.

Lions coach Johnny Sexton was one of Russell’s critics in the past but the former fly-half has hailed his temperament and defensive steel.

‘In the last couple of years, Finn’s come into his own as a 10 and he’s been able to manage a team,’ said Sexton. 

'That’s the main job that he’s got. And then his brilliance will come out, once he’s into the game.

‘You have a perception of him from the outside. In the last couple of years, he’s really matured as a player. You can see, Bath getting to finals, winning trophies, you can’t do that if you’re just that kind of mercurial 10. He’s got his team over the line and he’s won a few trophies and he’s carried that form into here.

‘He’s been probably our best defender in the backline on this tour so far, I would say. You always knew that was in there, he’s a feisty guy out there. 

'Physically he doesn’t look that big but he’s fronted up big time on this tour, a lot of impact tackles and we’ll need him tomorrow in that regard because they’ll be coming down his channel, I’m sure.’

The Lions have been tapping into sports psychologist Gary Keegan to ensure they are at their peak for the blockbuster match.

‘You want to make the most of it, you want to go out there and express yourself and if you get overwhelmed by the experience you are not going to do that,’ said Sexton. 

'Gary has been busy in getting guys ready mentally, and getting them ready to come into what’s going to be a cauldron.’