Finn Russell has been likened to two Springbok greats as the flyhalf steels himself to lead Bath’s attack against Investec Champions Cup title-holders Bordeaux-Begles on Sunday.
The Scotland playmaker will go head-to-head with French star Matthieu Jalibert in a mouthwatering semi-final at the Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole, and it is Russell’s BMT that has given Bath head coach Johann van Graan cause for comfort.
“What I like about Finn is he wants the ball in big games,” Van Graan, who previously worked with the Boks, Vodacom Bulls and Munster, told Planet Rugby.
“I’ve been very privileged to coach a few players like that. Fourie du Preez always wanted the ball, be it in a Super Rugby final or the World Cup final itself.
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“Another that comes to mind is Bryan Habana,” he added. “In the very big games, he wanted the ball, he wanted to influence the outcome, not leave it to others.
“Finn is certainly one of the premier players in the world, but one of his greatest strengths is he’s also one of the best team men around. He will always put the team first.”
Former Bath and England stars Olly Barkley and Anthony Watson, too, praised Russell’s talent and influence. “For me, he’s been a huge, huge reason the club is performing the way it is,” Barkley said.
“He has that rare ability to produce moments of magic all over the pitch and single-handedly win a game.”
Watson added: “If I had to choose between them for my team I would take Russell over Jalibert.”
Photo: Franco Arland/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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