Premiership Final Preview: Finn Russell ready to avenge last year’s final defeat

Scotland and Bath‘s star fly-half was forced off with cramp in the final stages of last week’s nail-biting west-county derby against rivals Bristol Bears; however, the British and Irish Lion has made a full recovery and eagerly encourages a strong Bath turnout at Twickenham on Saturday.

Last week, Bath came from behind at halftime to secure a dominant 34-20 victory over Bristol Bears in a packed out stadium of 14,500 in a game for the ages.

With Russell adding 14 points from the tee, Bath will go on to face Leicester Tigers on Saturday at the home of English Rugby.

Bath have had an impressive season in the Premiership with only four losses in 19 games. After exiting the Champions Cup at the hands of Leinster, Van Graan’s boys went on to win the Challenge Cup in Cardiff against a resilient Lyon.

No stranger to finals, Bath suffered heartbreak in last year’s Premiership Final after being awarded an early red card and going on to lose by four points.

Leicester’s campaign has endured one draw and six losses, two of which were to fellow Premiership Finalist Bath.

With one narrow loss at home and another loss at the Rec, Leicester Tigers will be keen to settle the score on the biggest stage of the tournament.

No doubt Andy Farrell will be relieved with Russell’s recovery, the British and Irish Lion’s tour kicking off in Dublin against Argentina on Friday 20th May, Russell himself relishes the chance to run out at the Allianz Stadium with an enormous Bath supporter’s welcome which will be very different compared to previous visits with Scotland during the Six Nations.

Finn Russell

“From what I heard, a lot of Bath fans bought tickets a while back to make sure they had them, as they did last year,” Russell said.

“A lot of them will be getting the train over to Twickenham at the weekend, and it’s always good playing in front of a sold-out stadium.

“Having your home fans there, hopefully the majority of tickets are Bath fans, that will be special.”

The Scotland vice-captain is no stranger to the Allianz Stadium and has regularly defended the Calcutta Cup there during the Six Nations until this year, when Scotland lost to England by one point.

“I know the other side of playing at Twickenham – usually when I am there, it is 70–odd thousand fans against me. But it’s always special playing in that stadium, and hopefully our fans can make as much noise as possible.”

With the chance to win their first title since 1996, Russell is positive that last season’s defeat is behind them and the trophy is in reach.

“I think that motivation has been there for everyone, after getting to the final and losing it last year, it is always quite tough to come back in the next year.

“We have almost got back to where we wanted to be and hopefully can go one step further this year.”

By Chris Collyer

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