Warriors trust in Russell for biggest game of the season
HE has been selected at stand- off ahead of t wo Scotl a nd internationals f or Glasgow’s crucial clash with Ulster, having started in that pivotal position only once before in his relatively short professional career. There is significant pressure on Finn Russell at Scotstoun tonight.
In a surprise selection twist from Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend, the former Stirling, Falkirk and Ayr amateur player has been preferred to Duncan Weir, who drops out of the squad completely, and Ruaridh Jackson, who is on the bench.
The 22-year-old has started only six pro matches in total but, as Glasgow chase the top-two position in the Pro12 that would secure them a home play-off tie, the No 10 has been backed to handle the occasion.
‘Finn has earned his place and I am confident he will do very well in what is probably the biggest game of the season for us,’ said Townsend yesterday, with Russell having started last weekend at centre.
‘He played very well against the Dragons when he started at 10 earlier in the season and also did well off the bench in that position against Cardiff.
‘He is a composed player, who will take our kicks during the game, and has been picked on form ahead of Duncan and Ruaridh.
‘Finn has a tough edge about his game, he has good passing and kicking skills and nothing phases him about playing in big games. He has made good decisions on the ball and what has come as a pleasant surprise is his high work-rate.
‘I believe we have picked the team that gives us the best chance of beating Ulster and I have rewarded good form, which is why Finn will start.’
Townsend said Weir, who helped Glasgow to a 22-5 win over Munster last weekend, and club captain Al Kellock, who also missed out, had both taken the news well — and that their input had been invaluable in the build-up to the match.
‘It shows you when someone like Al is not in the team the great form of other guys in the side,’ said the head coach. ‘Al and Duncan have been excellent this week in helping to prepare the team for such a big game.
‘They have a big role to play and we need those leaders around the club, even if they are not involved at the weekend against Ulster’
Aside from the inclusion of Russell at stand- off, Townsend has kept changes to a minimum. Peter Horne comes in at inside centre and will make his first start for Glasgow since undergoing surgery in the summer after injuring a knee playing for Scotland against South Africa.
The former Howe of Fife player will partner Mark Bennett, who takes over at outside centre from Russell. Chris Cusiter starts at scrum-half, with Niko Matawalu on the bench.
‘There are two changes in personnel,’ said Townsend. ‘The majority of players who did so well against Munster deserve to keep their places because what impressed me was their work-rate and how we kept taking the game to the opposition.
‘We’ll need to repeat that effort against Ulster, who are coming to Glasgow high on confidence and are ahead of us in the league so it is a very important game for both clubs.
‘Our goal is to build on the win in Limerick and ensure we keep the momentum going to keep us in the mix for a play-off place.’
Ulster head coach Mark Anscombe will be without three of his most important players — Ruan Pienaar, Rory Best and Stephen Ferris — who are all injured. However, he has still named a strong side, particularly in attack, with Irish international Andrew Trimble on one wing and British and Irish Lion Tommy Bowe on the other.