'Boks will love it': Finn Russell's magic pass for Racing 92 oddly has Springbok fans licking their lips
Racing 92 and Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell was on form as Racing 92 took down Stade Francais in the Top 14, providing on multiple occasions to set up his side in the 38-21 win.
It was a magic cutout pass to Irish international Simon Zebo that had many singing his praises, slinging a wide pass that fell into Zebo’s path after beating the outstretched reach of the last Stade defender. Zebo was able to glide over untouched for the score.
The pass was the type of signature play that Russell has provided at all levels, famously dismantling England a couple of times in similar fashion throughout his career.
The high-risk, high-reward play of Scotland’s number 10 presents a unique proposition for the British & Irish Lions, who have selected Russell for the upcoming tour of South Africa.
Finn Russell is a class above any other Lions Ten right now. His vision, passing, tactical, and cross field kicking especially, mark him out as beyond what likes of Biggar are capable of. Lions will score heavily from broken field & cross field attacks. #Lions2021 #Racing92
— Naxis (@Naxis911) June 5, 2021
Oddly, the sight of Russell setting up tries against Stade Francais had Springbok fans salivating at the prospect of Russell playing for the Lions against them.
One claimed that he is the kind of player ‘you can rattle with aggressive line speed’ after which ‘everything falls apart’, adding the ‘Boks will love it’. Another claimed ‘it will rain intercept tries’ against the Springbok defence.
fascinating if Lions pick him.. in one sense he is kind of player you can rattle with agresive line speed ,and then everything fall apart. boks will love it
but..at same time he is the best 10 in the world when it come to a “bridge” pass like this , and exploiting agression.. ? https://t.co/ejygWmfJ22
— Oom Rugby (@Oom_Rugby) June 12, 2021
The Springboks highly aggressive defence calls for pressure from the outside, with the wingers jamming up and in. Cheslin Kolbe is also a known intercept merchant with great anticipation for the pass.
South African fans naturally are visioning easy tries at the other end of the pitch with Russell on the field for the Lions.
So these flat passes against Springboks defence it will rain intercept tries
— Mandisi (@Mesuliya) June 12, 2021
Just slightly off with those long passes and it’s a free intercept try under the posts.
— Wesley (@WesleyR1980) June 12, 2021
yes ! and that skill is almost more a concern… it is more easier to trap the sexy 10’s in the pocket if they only thinking in the moment , but if a guy is seeing the space you will give him before you come up then you can be in big k*k… using your agression against yourself
— Oom Rugby (@Oom_Rugby) June 12, 2021
No disrespect to Finn Russell but I reckon Elton Jantjies is the best when it comes to that kinda pass.. Will be a great series.. Don’t think Lions will start with Finn at 10 though.. Unless the situation is desperate
— MtungwaMbulazOmnyama (@mandisikhumalo) June 12, 2021
Not everyone was convinced Russell starting for the Lions would end in disaster, with the accomplished flyhalf reading the play before it develops to understand where the chips will fall.
One fan suggested that he is used to playing on the back foot behind the Scotland pack, and that he has never been rattled before as Springbok fans were suggesting.
Watch him closely. He sees it before the racing player has even carried into contact too. He’s aware of the shape and numbers, and has reset his position while clapping/demanding the quick feed. He’s next level. Has to start for the Lions.
— Naxis (@Naxis911) June 11, 2021
not sure i’ve ever seen him get rattled, ever, and with scotland he’s had to play on the back foot a lot. his chip kicks are also ace so rush defence requires a 9 sweeper – does the current bok defence system have this?
— Fez (@Fergus__Taylor) June 12, 2021
Under rated in UK as we don’t see him every week. I watch top 14 when I can and Finn is a class above. No longer a maverick and vison, control is world class. Listening to those who play with him, magician and sees things others don’t!
Hands down lions 10!— Glenn Gibson (@glenngibson15) June 5, 2021
Should Finn Russell’s Racing side make the Top 14 final, the Scottish 10 will travel to South Africa a week later than the rest of the squad.
Racing 92 will play European runners-up La Rochelle in their key semi-final next week as they chase their first league title since 2016.
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments