TOWNSEND HAILS HIS PERFECT TEN
Townsend knows that this was Finn’s finest hour, but with his outstanding skill and an increased responsibility, the Scotland coach wants him to be...
IT WAS back in February 2013 that Gregor Townsend handed Finn Russell his debut for Glasgow Warriors. After playing a crucial role in Scotland’s historic victory over Australia on Saturday, it would be fair to say the stand-off has repaid the faith of his head coach. And then some.
Indeed, in the aftermath of the Scots’ first triumph over the Wallabies in Sydney, as Russell was flying over to join the Lions tour in New Zealand, Townsend insisted it was the 24-year-old’s best performance for both club and country.
The new Scotland boss, who replaced Vern Cotter at the end of the domestic season, has mentored the man from Bridge of Allan ever since he was a youngster coming through at Scotstoun.
Townsend was in charge for every single one of Russell’s 64 games for Glasgow — and since taking the reins at international level, he has picked him as his first-choice ten in the wins over Italy and Australia.
As a former world-class ten himself, Townsend’s guidance has helped Russell become a player in his own image. Confident, attackminded and not scared to try different things.
What Townsend believes Russell’s display against Australia showed is that he has now added leadership to his repertoire.
‘Against Australia is the best I’ve seen Finn play, and obviously I’ve seen him play pretty well over the past few years,’ said Townsend as he and his team arrived in Fiji.
‘He played a brilliant all-round game and some of his kicks to the corner were great. He had two brilliant 22 drop-outs and had some great kicks to the touchlines.
‘Defensively, he was outstanding. Some of his front-on tackles, one-on-one against big men were outstanding.
‘In attack, he gave the team confidence by always trying to create things. It was a performance not just of skill, but character as well.’ He didn’t have much responsibility during his early years at Glasgow as he lived in the shadow of more experienced players such as established Scotland internationals Al Kellock, Graeme Morrison and Doug Hall.
However, he has now been earmarked as one of Townsend’s trusted lieutenants at international level.
‘Finn is definitely different in the Scotland environment to how he is at Glasgow,’ said the Scotland head coach. ‘It’s maybe because he came through the system at Glasgow, starting at the academy then found himself with senior players who provided strong leadership at the club.
‘He’s been our ten at Glasgow for the last couple of years and he’s a leader on the pitch, but in the Scotland setting he is definitely taking on and talking more in my first few games in charge.
‘Making him vice-captain against Australia with Johnny Barclay as captain was just an extension of what he was already doing as the leader of our attack.
‘You want to give players confidence, show that you believe in them and their decisions and naming Finn vice-captain has improved him all round and you saw that against Australia.
‘There’s more to come from him too which is exciting. In that position of fly-half, you learn so much from the decisions you make. There will be a few things he wants to improve on, and that’s great.’
Up against a tough opponent in Bernard Foley — the man who broke Scotland’s hearts with a controversial last-minute penalty in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final — he was immense.
Even under severe provocation — twice he was the victim of two late tackles that referee Wayne Barnes missed and a blatant block by Foley that earned him a yellow card — he rose above the rest.
Duncan Taylor grabbed the first try when he intercepted a telegraphed pass from Wallaby hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.
A smooth passing move led to Hamish Watson scoring the third. In between, Russell went in under the posts after he charged down a Will Genia clearance kick.
With Russell away with the Lions along with team-mate Allan Dell, the question now for Townsend is who he plays at ten against Fiji in his absence.
Peter Horne, who didn’t play against Australia, seems the obvious replacement although Greig Tonks, who started at full-back against the Wallabies, can also play there as can Ruaridh Jackson, who didn’t get on in Sydney.
Seven of the Scotland squad have yet to see action so Townsend could be tempted to give at least some of them a run-out. They include the four uncapped players Sean Kennedy, Nick Grigg, George Turner and Darcy Rae.
Others who haven’t featured include prop Alex Allan, who may get his chance as back up to Gordon Reid because of Dell’s departure. John Hardie was picked to play against Italy but pulled out at the last minute with a back spasm. Jackson was the only unused sub against Australia.
‘We had potential squads in mind and we will see where we are physically,’ said Townsend.
‘Everyone has a chance of making the squad for our final tour game but I am going to pick a team to win. The people on this tour are quality players and if we feel it is right for them to play next week, then we will pick them.
‘Taking on Fiji will be a huge challenge as they are coming off the back of a win over Italy. We also have to know where the guys are physically as they put in huge efforts against Australia and will be carrying knocks.
‘By the same token we go into the game with our confidence high after our wins over Italy and now Australia. We have momentum too, which is a big positive.’