Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Video: Racing's 'absolutely stunning score' created by the genius of Finn Russell

(Photo by Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)

Scotland outcast Finn Russell was the toast of Paris on Saturday after his late-game heroics created the decisive try from Juan Imhoff that booked Racing 92 their place in next month’s Champions Cup final. 

ADVERTISEMENT

The out-half had a very public falling out with Gregor Townsend last January after he showed up at the Scottish Six Nations camp on the Sunday night of a pool win by Saracens against Racing in London. 

That result kept the Londoners in the tournament but Russell eventually turned the tables with some magic in the 76th minute of the semi-final. Racing were trailing 12-15 when they attacked off possession that stemmed from a ruck on their own 10-metre line.   

Video Spacer

Can clubs in England survive another six months without fans at matches?

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 1:29
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 1:29
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    Can clubs in England survive another six months without fans at matches?

    Russell’s sweet chip kick over the top of the Saracens defence was gathered by Virimi Vakatawa and the out-half appeared on the midfield’s shoulder to take the offloaded pass and he then drew the cover before allowing Imhoff round off the move for the converted try that won the game 19-15.   

    BT Sport match commentary Nick Mullins was blown away by the magic that had unfolded, saying: “That just might be one of the greatest moments in Racing’s history. It might be the moment that knocks the champions out of the Cup.”

    Live match pundit Ben Kay, the 2003 England World Cup winner, added: “We have been mentioning the threat of Russell’s little chip kick over the top to slow the Saracens linespeed. He has used it sparingly. 

    “He hasn’t used it since right at the beginning of the game and that maybe lulled Saracens into a false sense of security. It’s already pre-called. You can see Vakatawa on his bike as the ball is in the air to Russell pre the kick – he knows it’s coming. 

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “Russell follows Vakatawa down the channel and it’s just a simple offload, he fends out of Wigglesworth’s tackle. That takes (Alex) Goode out and Russell thinks I’ll give it to the pace on the outside. Nothing (Elliot) Daly can do. Absolutely stunning score. Saracens now have to go to some dark places to find the answers.”

    They didn’t, the Russell moment of genius instead proving decisive to qualify Racing for their third final in five seasons.   

    ADVERTISEMENT
    Play Video

    South Africa vs Black Ferns XV | Women's International | Full Match Replay

    Play Video

    England vs Spain | Women's International | Full Match Replay

    Play Video

    Classic Wallabies vs British & Irish Legends | Second Match | Full Match Replay

    Play Video

    Ireland vs Scotland | Women's International | Full Match Replay

    Play Video

    Should the Lions’ last-minute try have stood? | Whistle Watch

    Play Video

    Lions Share | Episode 6

    Play Video

    KOKO Show | July 29th | George Gregan Stops by to lift spirits after the MCG Madness

    Play Video

    Historic Lions Series win at the MCG | Ep 7: The Ultimate Test

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    0 Comments
    Be the first to comment...

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Long Reads

    Comments on RugbyPass

    TRENDING
    TRENDING What Andy Farrell said to Joe Schmidt immediately after Lions defeat What Andy Farrell said to Joe Schmidt immediately after Lions defeat