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Watch: Finn Russell victim of fifth-minute red-carded foul in Paris
By Liam Heagney
Scotland out-half Finn Russell was the victim of a red-carded foul just five minutes into Saturday’s Parisian derby in the Top 14 play-offs. Fourth-place Stade were hosting fifth-place Racing for the right to face Toulouse in next Friday’s semi-finals in San Sebastian and the contest got off to a firework start.
Russell was at a ruck helping to guard Racing ball when he was struck by the foraging Marcos Kremer, who drove into the breakdown and connected with the Scotsman’s head with his left shoulder.
The incident resulted in referee Pierre Brousset reaching into his pocket to brandish the red card to the Stade forward who has form for falling on the wrong side of the law this season.
It was November when Kremer, who was only just back from the suspension received for his sending off for Stade versus Pau, was sent off at BT Murrayfield when playing for Argentina against Russell’s Scotland for charging recklessly into a ruck and connecting with the head of Jamie Ritchie.
That expulsion allowed the Scots to run up a huge 52-29 win and the subsequent midweek disciplinary hearing led to Kremer getting a four-match suspension.
After Kremer – who is due to play for Clermont next season after the upcoming Rugby World Cup with Argentina –was red-carded at Stade Jean-Bouin, Russell, who himself is set for a summer move to Bath, was taken off for a HIA. By the time he returned, Racing were leading 14-3 and he soon extended this advantage to 17-3 with a penalty kick.
That lead didn't last, however, as two Racing yellow cards in the lead-up to the interval created a 13-versus-14 scenario, enabling Stade to score two tries to level the match at 17-all.
Racing were the better second-half team, though, as three Russell penalty kicks put them 26-17 clear before a late converted Gael Fickou try sealed the 33-20 victory.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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