I’D LOVE TO HAVE WINNING FINNALE
Rennie tips his star to exit a hero
DAVE RENNIE believes Finn Russell will walk out of Scotstoun for the last time as a hero – if he puts brains before bravado.
The Scotland playmaker leads the Glasgow attack in tonight’s Pro14 semi-final showdown with champions Scarlets.
It will be Russell’s farewell home appearance before his big-money move to France.
And boss Rennie said: “I just want Finn to relax and do the obvious. We don’t need to try to pull rabbits out of our backside – nor do I want him to be overawed by the occasion. “We’re lucky he has played a lot of international footie and is really clear on what his role will be.
“He’s disappointed with how he played on his last start when he only got 40 minutes. So we’re expecting better things. And so is he!
“Finn is a good player who has been an important part of our make-up. And I think he is in the right head space. He’s prepared well and is excited by the challenge. His last game at home should be pretty special.”
Sticking to his form before reputation doctrine, Rennie has opted for Nick Grigg and Sam Johnson at centre ahead of Alex Dunbar and Huw Jones. And rookie George Horne gets the nod at scrum half.
Rennie said: “This has been our best midfield combination throughout the year.
“Sam is very good with ball in hand, has great feet, punishes in defence and communicates well.
“Nick is very quick and dynamic in contact. We felt, based on the opposition, they are our best fit.
“George is a tough little b***er and is so competitive, which we particularly like. He is going to have a massive future.”
Rennie admits his men have not been at their best since clinching top spot in their league section.
He added: “The break has given us a chance to freshen up some of the boys. They were pretty jaded going into that final game against Edinburgh at Murrayfield. This week in training they have been really sharp with full tanks.”
Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac said: “Glasgow have a good record at home. They play on a different surface so they have a bit of an advantage there.
“But it’s 80 minutes of knockout rugby. Both teams like to play, use the width of the field and it could be a great game.”
Finn has prepared well ... His last game at home should be special
DAVE RENNIE