Bath playmaker Finn Russell says stopping Bordeaux-Bègles in Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final will require far more than shutting down one or two stars.
Johann van Graan’s men tackle the French giants at the Matmut Atlantique, and Russell expects a ferocious battle against one of the most dangerous attacking sides in world rugby.
“Bordeaux have attacked really well in their league and in the Champions Cup,” Russell was quoted by RugbyRama. “They’ve scored a lot of points.
MORE: Bordeaux wary of ‘world-class’ Russell
“Bordeaux are one of the best teams in the world with ball in hand and they also have an excellent kicking game.”
“From my experience in semi-finals and finals, you must not overplay things,” the Scotland flyhalf added. “I think having the right team structure will make the difference.”
Much of Bath’s defensive focus will fall on Bordeaux linchpin Matthieu Jalibert, who Russell describes as one of the key weapons in the defending champions’ attack.
“He’s an incredible player who is having a great season,” the Scot said. “He can kick over the defence or exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
“We’ll try to take him out of the game as much as possible this weekend.”
ALSO: Teen debutant part of Van Graan’s Bath plan
Russell, though, stresses that Bordeaux’s threats extends beyond Jalibert, singling out the lightning-fast wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey and fellow France internationals Maxime Lucu and Yoram Moefana, along with Tonga powerhouse Ben Tameifuna.
“We know Bordeaux have a lot of weapons and quality,” Russell said.
“[Bielle-Biarrey] is one of the fastest players in world rugby. He’s a real threat.
“We’ll need to shut him down as much as possible to stop him getting opportunities.”
Photo: Matthew Childs/Action Images
The post Russell targets Bordeaux dangermen appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Bath playmaker Finn Russell says stopping Bordeaux-Bègles in Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final will require far more than shutting down one or two stars.
The post Russell targets Bordeaux dangermen appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
