Hogg wary of threat posed by close pal
EXETER Chiefs’ Stuart Hogg has described his fellow Scotland international Finn Russell as someone who can “change the game in a heartbeat” ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup final.
The gifted Scotland backs will oppose each other when Hogg and debut European finalists Exeter meet a Russell-inspired Racing 92 at Ashton Gate.
They have not played Test rugby together since the World Cup 12 months ago, with Russell missing four Six Nations games earlier this year after he was disciplined following a breach of team protocol.
It is widely expected that Russell will return when the Six Nations is concluded later this month - Scotland tackle Wales in Llanelli on October 31 - under Hogg’s captaincy.
For now, though, Exeter fullback Hogg is concentrated on how to stop the Racing 92 standoff, rather than encourage his spectacular match-winning skills.
“Finn is an absolutely unbelievable talent and I think at this minute he is one of the best 10s in the world,” Hogg said. “I know how Finn plays, I know that he’s a world-class talent. I think he has got the ability to change the game in a heartbeat.
“Other than playing under-14s, I don’t think I’ve ever played against Finn. I think back then he had a leopard-print haircut!”
Racing have reached their third Champions Cup final, but this is the first for a Chiefs side that are chasing a European and domestic double having beaten Wasps to reach the Premiership final the following week, where they meet Wasps at Twickenham.,
Hogg said: “They have a game very similar to ourselves, a pack that will be looking for dominance and a back-line that want to get ball in hand and express their talents.
“These are the games as a kid you wanted to pick up a rugby ball for. You want to be involved in these massive games and to be the best. You’ve got to beat the best, and we truly believe we can win the trophy.”