Finn Russell accidentally kicks the ball during Scotland's captain's run at the Stade de France on Friday. Photo: Sportsfile via Getty Images/Harry Murphy
In the afternoon sun at the Stade de France, Finn Russell could be seen kicking and catching a ball as he casually strolled through the rows of Scotland team-mates engaged in a vigorous warm-up.
While others jumped over mini-hurdles, rounded poles or ran back and forth towards the 22-meter line, Russell rarely slowed down, stopping only to chat with his midfield partner Sione Tuipulotu.< /p>
If there was no sign of the swagger he displays during white Test matches, there was no doubt who was the main man in a Scotland team not without faith that they could thrash Ireland on Saturday.< /p>
However, perception can be misleading. Because Russell is no longer that mercurial, high-maintenance talent who at times seemed more interested in making the “world” pass without caring how it would affect his team if it went wrong.Warren Gatland, from his time as head coach of the British and Irish Lions on tour of New Zealand in 2017, remembers the Scotland midfielder attempting to clear the ball from his own 22 after being called into the squad as one of “geographical sixes.”
“One of the air conditioners at the edge of the field shouted to him: “What are you doing?” Gatland recalled. “Finn just shrugged and said, 'I was just trying.'
At times, this carefree attitude – on and off the pitch – has strained his relationship with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend. , from a public row in 2020 over a night of drinking and communication breakdowns to Townsend's decision to initially drop him from last year's autumn campaign due to form.
However, a combination of increasing maturity, fatherhood and his significant improvement relationship with Townsend changed the Bath-bound midfielder's game and his impact on the Scotland team.
If he maintains his swagger on the pitch, and his favorite word remains “chilled”, Scotland insiders say he is seen as a key leader in the group.
His evolution from rebel to player who is now fully behind the cause, was amazing. .
Russell maintains his swagger on the field but curbs his antics off the field. Photo: Getty Images/Michael Steele
Russell's playing style may contrast sharply with Johnny Sexton's brilliant organization, but the pair share the same fierce competitive spirit. Some believe his maturity stems from the realization that, at 31, he is determined to make the most of his career.
Often in the career of a player blessed with Russell's natural talents, there comes a point when he realizes that more cannot rely only on his skills. Players who become great do so through hard work, homework and total dedication to their physical preparation.
He is renowned for his spatial awareness, incredibly accurate passing and footballing ability, but what is less known is that he now spends hours on his laptop, eager to also study the analysis provided by his midfield partners, Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.
“Finn has grown so much as a leader,” said Pierre Schumann, Scotland prop. He also does all the homework for our central pairing with Siona.
“In the two years I have played for Scotland or represented the national team, he has become one of the best leaders.”
Notable leadership is achieved through his commitment to training and recruiting new players to the team. squad like rookie linebacker Ben Healy. “He's a great connector,” one source said.
And while he still enjoys the big stage, the “Big Charlie” feeling is long gone.
When he was recently punished at a weekly penalty meeting and he rolled the dice to find out the punishment, it turned out that he would have to get up at 7 a.m. to make coffee for management. Most expected him to try to find a way out of this situation. However, the next morning he was downstairs offering Townsend and his staff an Americano or cappuccino.
South Africa did a good job stopping Russell's game – Ireland will likely try to do the same. Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers
Family support also played a key role. On Russell's birthday, he spent the day before Scotland's 45-17 win over Tonga watching his brother Archie play for Monaco and his family attending his games.
Perhaps the clearest indicator of his new role was his appointment to the Scottish Leadership Group. The player who once clashed with Townsend has now captained Scotland twice in Jamie Ritchie's absence.
He now faces perhaps the biggest challenge of his career. South Africa managed to contain his attacking threat and their blitz defense denied him space to exploit. Ireland will no doubt be looking to do the same, knowing there is added pressure on their opponents to win by eight points or more.
Russell is ready. “These are the games you play rugby for,” he said. “Play at the highest level, putting everything on the line. It's all or nothing for both teams. I know we need to beat Ireland by eight points to qualify, but there's always a chance that something will happen.”
Recent Comments