HUNGRY LION
Russell defiant as he celebrates Test call with starring role in win against Wallabies
SCOTLAND star Finn Russell is adamant he is not joining the British and Irish Lions just to make up the numbers.
The fly-half, who was called up yesterday along with his international team-mate Allan Dell, said he is fully intent on challenging for a place in the Test team against New Zealand.
With Owen Farrell nursing a leg injury, there is no guarantee the England man will be fit to face the All Blacks in the first Test next Saturday and, because of that, Gatland felt he needed cover in the position.
‘Nobody wants to go on tour to make up the numbers,’ said Russell, who could play in the final warm-up match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Tuesday. ‘Everyone is going there to push for positions. There are three standoffs out there just now, so it’s obviously tough, but I’ll go there, get up to speed as quickly as possible and take it from there.
‘For me, being a stand-off, I’ll have to go and learn the game plan as quickly as possible and try to get up to speed. I’ll be preparing myself for the job I have to do when I get there.’
A delighted Gregor Townsend insists his leading man will have no problems stepping up to star for the Lions after his man-of-thematch display against the Wallabies in Sydney.
‘There were great plays all over the pitch and, through it all, Finn was outstanding,’ said Townsend. ‘He led our attack and I thought he also led our defence well. If you have your half-backs playing really well, it helps you.
‘Finn certainly showed he had the confidence to play. There were a couple of times when he moved the ball from his own line really well. To do that in a Test match environment when you are away from home against a very good side shows he is confident enough. The players around him will back him and go with him.’