ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday Mar 5, 2019

Finn Russell great chat and kicking masterclass ahead of much anticipated Scotland return

Finn Russell made a successful return to action following a recent concussion, playing 65 minutes during Racing 92’s 50-14 victory over La Rochelle in the Top 14. The fly-half is therefore likely to complete his comeback in this weekend’s 6 Nations clash with Wales at Murrayfield, to the relief of Scottish fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Russell, who narrowly missed out on Scotland’s defeat to France a fortnight ago, scored his second try in as many league matches in the one-sided affair before being replaced by Fijian Ben Volavola in the second half.

Such a central part of Scotland’s attack over the past three-and-a-half years, Russell’s absence was clearly felt by Gregor Townsend’s side in Paris. His replacement that day was former Glasgow team-mate Peter Horne, who struggled to make much of an impact against a keen French defence.

Scotland’s second choice out-half Adam Hastings fared marginally better in the second half, albeit with the game already effectively lost.

Russell scored this neatly taken try against La Rochelle

Perhaps what makes Russell such a dangerous player is his relaxed style, which often comes across as nonchalant, and a constant will to attack. It is no secret that Scotland will need to employ this tactic if they are to derail Wales’ Grand Slam bid in Edinburgh this weekend.

ADVERTISEMENT

We’re given an insight into the psyche of Russell and why he has slotted seamlessly into the Racing 92 philosophy thanks to a short Rugbypass documentary featuring ex-Scotland second-rower, Jim Hamilton.

Big Jim’ went to Racing’s state-of-the-art training facilities recently to get to know the out-half and to take part in an impromptu kicking practice session as well.

It seems as though the move to Paris, the lifestyle therein and the style of play Racing have, has fitted the Finn Russell mould more than even he expected.

“The way we play and the culture at the club, it’s very relaxed at the right times. Once you’re off the training field and at lunch or when you arrive in the morning, everything is pretty fun. It’s only intense when it needs to be intense,” Russell said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Apart from that, it’s basically ‘do what you want’, you get a couple of hours off at lunch. You can go back home, have a sleep, play the PlayStation or whatever you want, so for me I think it works really well.”

Racing 92 is known for its mavericks in its squad, with Simon Zebo, Teddy Thomas and Leone Nakarawa already firm favourites with the home fans. Russell is another in the same vein and the Scotland set-up understands what it’s like to not have the charismatic fly-half in its arsenal.

Video Spacer

Comments




Related Articles

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Doping scandal hits the English Premiership...

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Former international captain retires



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 64 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All