Russell not a good signing for Bath, says Abendanon
BATH’S decision to splash out on signing Scotland playmaker Finn Russell could turn out to be an expensive mistake, believes former European Player of the Year and Recreation Ground favourite Nick Abendanon.
Abendanon, one of the most consistently creative players to have worn blue, black and white in the past two decades, fears there is a disconnect between Russell’s exuberant style of play and the conditions he will encounter at Bath.
Former Bath full-back Abendanon, currently co-captain of ProD2 side Vannes, is full of admiration and praise for the Scotland fly-half’s skills, but believes Bath’s current game-plan and the heavy pitch at The Rec will not suit the playmaker. Russell’s current club, Racing 92, play at their purpose-built Paris La Défence Arena.
Abendanon played 207 times for Bath during almost a decade at the club before leaving for a hugely successful spell at Clermont Auvergne in 2014. At the end of his first season in France, he was named European Player of the Year for his part in Clermont’s run to the Champions Cup final.
“When I first read of Finn’s possible move to Bath I was interested,” said Abendanon. “Now that it’s happened, I don’t think it’s a very good signing.
“Finn (below) is one of the best 10s – if not the best 10 – in the world at the moment. His skill levels are unbelievable. But look at where he’s playing at the moment. It’s a synthetic pitch and he’s under cover most weeks in Paris. On pitches like that play can be quick and expansive. Is he going to get the most out of the Bath team at The Rec when the River Avon is up and the pitch is heavy? Will he be able to offer the expansive game he is offering in Paris? I’m not sure he’ll be able to replicate it.”
The Rec faithful knew Abendanon for his counter-attacking flair, and the two-cap England international scored in the final when Bath won their last piece of major silverware, the 2008 European Challenge Cup.
He believes current Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan will need to adapt the side’s style if the Russell move is to succeed and the sizeable investment pay off.
“The coach’s philosophy is typically South African, with an emphasis on kick pressure and a kick-chase game,” said Abendanon, speaking from Brittany. “Does that game plan suit Finn? Everyone knows the answer to that.
“There may be a compromise or a change in game plan. We’ll see. He’s going to love the city and enjoy picking up the pay cheque each week but I’m not sure about the fit.”
Russell will join Bath in late autumn following the World Cup after four seasons at Racing.
When he signed in December, the British and Irish Lion said he wanted to get Bath “back to the top end of the Premiership and competing for domestic and European titles”.
“I know players at Bath who speak highly of the environment and the direction the club is going in is something I want to be a part of,” he said.