Johnny Sexton says Lions playmaker Finn Russell is no flash in the pan

Johnny Sexton insists Finn Russell’s “flash” skills are matched by the defensive steel needed from the British and Irish Lions fly-half to weather the storm coming his way in Brisbane.

Russell pulls the strings in Saturday’s first Test as the Lions look to take an important first step towards claiming their first series victory since touring Down Under in 2013.

The Scotland playmaker was famously described as “flashy” and a “media darling” in Sexton’s autobiography, but the Ireland great has been won over by his former rival since working with him in his capacity as Lions kicking coach.

“Finn’s still flash! He’d hate it if I said he isn’t,” Sexton said.

“But in the last couple of years he’s come into his own as a 10 and he’s been able to manage a team because ultimately that’s his main job. And then his brilliance will come out once he’s into the game.

“He’s probably been our best defender in the backline on this tour so far. You always knew that was in there because he’s a feisty guy.

“Physically he doesn’t look that big, but he’s fronted up big time on this tour and made a lot of impact tackles. We’ll need him to do that against Australia because they’ll be coming down his channel.

“I’m sure (Australia coach) Joe Schmidt will have a plan for him because he’ll know how integral he is to our team and I’m sure he’ll be doing everything to cut him off.”

Russell plays with a smile on his face, reacting to mistakes with a grin and shrug of the shoulders, but the 32-year-old magician is operating at the peak of his powers having recently steered Bath to the treble.

“Finn has been relaxed as always, you wouldn’t know it’s the week of a Test. You can see the work he does, though,” Sexton said.

“You have a perception of him from