Grand Slam icon blasts Scots duo as ‘immature’
The “Russellgate” saga took a few twists and turns this week as the spat between Scotland’s star player and coach continued to be played out in a rather unedifying way.
Firstly, Finn Russell gave his side of the story to a Sunday newspaper.
That was followed by a response from Gregor Townsend in an interview with the BBC, supplemented by a video released by the SRU. It was all rather distasteful. Without knowing the exact details of both the original incident involving Russell, and the history leading up to the fateful moment in the team hotel, it is hard to pass irrefutable judgment on the issue.
Notwithstanding that, no player can “bend the rules” and, from afar, Townsend was right to place sanctions on the player.
Yet what has happened since then has done neither side any favours.
This issue needs to be resolved behind closed doors, not on whichever media platform the parties involved choose.
Both coach and player should have drawn a line under the incident, and then sought to work through their differences in private, possibly with a third party to mediate between them if, as Russell alludes, there is no relationship between coach and player.
For both to be telling their side of the story through the media smacks of immaturity, and it is detrimental to the great reputations that both player and coach have.
The sooner they sort this out the better. The row places additional pressure on
Townsend and his team to beat Italy next Saturday, given that they are zero from two so far in the Six Nations Championship.
After a poor World Cup campaign, the row with Russell brings the performance of the coach into greater focus. Nothing other than a victory will do in Rome.
Scotland have failed to score a try in both of their matches in this season’s campaign, and they have not threatened their opponents consistently.
On the other hand, Italy created a number of great opportunities against the French and were able to convert these chances into scores.
How Townsend would love his team to do the same.
With the match in Rome also being the curtain call for one of the great warriors of the Six Nations – Sergio Parisse – Scotland have to be wary of a fairytale ending for the Italian captain.
As ever, Scotland at home will be a match that the Azzurri will target to win, to spare them the ignominy of another Wooden Spoon.
It promises to be a lively afternoon in the Eternal City, and one in which Scotland cannot afford any slip-ups.
The importance of the game is also brought into focus with rumours that South Africa may join the Six Nations after the next World Cup, making it the Seven Nations – unless of course, relegation is introduced.
This may be driven by commercial pressures, and the imminent investment by private equity firm CVC into the tournament.
Having the World Champions involved is only going to add to the value of the TV rights, but it will further compress an already-packed season.
This makes sense from a timezone perspective but puts the Rugby Championship at risk.
So I feel that there is much more talking to do before this becomes reality.
Finally, spare a moment for Adam Hastings who has done a brilliant job for his team in difficult circumstances.
Assuming Finn Russell’s mantle wouldn’t be easy for anyone but Hastings has done it with aplomb.
With more time in the role, Scotland fans will not be clamouring for the return of Russell quite as much after all.