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Lions truce predicted for Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton: 'There will be no issue'
By Neil Squires
Bath coach Johann van Graan predicts a peace pact between Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton on the British and Irish Lions tour if his star stand-off is chosen this summer.
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Sexton’s addition to the Lions’ coaching group for the series against the Wallabies has raised question marks over what that might mean for Russell.
Sexton bracketed Russell and Marcus Smith as “flashy” number tens in an interview last November, expressing his personal preference for Owen Farrell to be the Lions’ Test stand-off in Australia. While he later backtracked with Smith, he chose not to do so with Russell.
The Scotland No 10 subsequently acknowledged he did not have a close relationship with his former Ireland rival whom he beat to a place in the 2021 Lions squad but van Graan believes the unifying power of the red shirt will bring them together in Australia.
“I’m sure if Finn gets selected for the Lions that there will be no issue,” said van Graan.
“I think one of the things that we’ve got in our game is respect. It doesn’t matter what team you’ve played for, or what country you’re from… if you just look at the Barbarians, they’ve got this ability to just tie people together within one day or one session.
“They’ll combine very well for the Lions because the Lions are one of the coolest teams in my book in world rugby.”
Van Graan does not go along with the “flashy” tag, pointing to the relentless reliability of Russell for the Gallagher Premiership leaders since he arrived at Bath from Racing 92.
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“I can really only comment on his form for Bath but Finn has had a fantastic season, as he had last season,” said van Graan.
“One thing about Finn – and that’s why he’s a world-class player – is he never plays below an eight out of ten. Sometimes it’s a nine out of ten and then some weekends it’s a ten out of ten.
“He’s been very consistent – whether it be his attack, his kicking game, his decision-making, his defence, his presence, or his special moments. He’s a special player. In my view, he’s one of the best tens in the world game.”
Russell endured an up and down Six Nations with his missed kicks costing Scotland victory over England and his failed switch play early in the second half, turning the game France’s way on the final weekend.
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While there seems little doubt he will make the squad, the form of Sam Prendergast has given Lions head coach Andy Farrell food for thought over who should be his starting stand-off against the Wallabies.
“Faz is a phenomenal coach and he’ll know exactly what he wants and how the Lions want to play,” said van Graan.
“But I remember watching the third Test back on the last Lions tour in South Africa and the difference Finn made.
“Obviously from a club point of view we’d love for Finn to be involved with the Lions. Fingers crossed that he’s in that team.”
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