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Watch - Finn Russell conjures moment of magic in Dublin
By Ian Cameron
Despite a Heineken Champions Cup defeat at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Racing 92 flyhalf Finn Russell has sent a warning shot to Scotland's Guinness Six Nations opponents with an at times magical performance in the Irish capital.
Russell has been in scintillating form for Top 14 side Racing 92, both in the domestic league and in the Heineken Champions Cup. The Scotland flyhalf has been instrumental in leading his team to fifth in the Top 14 standings.
His performances have not gone unnoticed by Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, and he has been rewarded with a recall to the Scotland national team for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations tournament. Russell was left out of the squad for the Autumn Nations Series, but his form for Racing 92 and an injury to Adam Hastings in Autumn has meant he is once again in control of the Scottish No.10 jersey despite an at times strained relationship with Townsend.
Maybe the standout moment against a shaky Leinster was a brilliant midfield break in the 47th minute. Russell somehow slipped between three Leinster defenders before pointing to where he was going to pass before releasing a perfectly floated ball with his left hand to winger Christian Wade, who was waiting on the right flank. Wade, who boasts a fine strike rate against Leinster, did the rest.
Back in the Top 14, Russell continues to be a creative force for Racing 92, with his quick thinking and passing ability consistently putting his team on the front foot.
While Racing 92 have had a mixed season to date, Russell has been at the heart of everything they've done well. The strong form of the Bath-bound Russell has been at the heart of everything his team has done well. As Scotland prepare for the Six Nations, they will be looking to Russell to provide a similar level of creativity and control that he has been showing for Racing 92.
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Latest Comments
Thanks for the lesson Nick! I presume that targeting gaps is situational because if a ball carrier straightens the line they can't be allowed a gap to run into? It feels like you need depth if you're going to pass it wide and plenty of variety - straight running, kicks just in behind, cross kicks etc. BTW what an incredible bench Toulouse had this week. People complain about Leinster being stacked but they need to be at the very highest level.
Go to comments2015 was by far the best team. They have had many good backlines over the years but the 2015 team was one of the few to have an absolute world class forward pack - all of them international quality. 6 ABs, 1 future English player, and one that would have gone on to ABs had he not been forced to retire due to concussion. This current team doesn’t have the same size and experience at lock, but providing they can keep this many talented young players (who have all significantly increased their profile this year) together for another 2 years they could eclipse the 2015 team.
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