'Players want his respect' - Finn Russell return will bring best out of Bath, says Brian O'Driscoll
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Published 10/05/2024 at 21:27 GMT+1
Bath received a timely boost this week when star fly-half Finn Russell recovered from injury to start in their penultimate Gallagher Premiership match of the season against Newcastle Falcons. Brian O'Driscoll told TNT Sports that Russell's team-mates will "raise their own performances" because they "want his respect," while Lawrence Dallaglio believes Bath "really have a shot" at the title now.
‘Everyone wants his respect’ – O’Driscoll says Russell return will lift Bath for run-in
Video credit: TNT Sports
Finn Russell’s return to fitness is a huge boost for Bath’s Gallagher Premiership title hopes as his team-mates all "want his respect” and will raise their game to get it, according to Brian O’Driscoll.
The Scotland fly-half recovered from injury to start against Newcastle Falcons on Friday evening in the penultimate round of the regular season.
Bath are closing in on a top-four spot that would send them into the play-offs as they chase a first league crown since 1995/96.
TNT Sports expert and Ireland legend O’Driscoll explained why the Scottish playmaker’s impact cannot be underestimated, despite the fine work of stand-in Orlando Bailey while he was out.
“It’s what it does for those around him,” O’Driscoll said.
“Orlando Bailey has come in and deputised extremely well. But when the team is announced on a Tuesday or Wednesday and you see (Russell) in your team, that raises everyone because all those players want his respect.
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“They have to raise their own performance as a result. I can’t tell you how important it is to have him back for the business end.”
O’Driscoll’s fellow TNT Sports pundit, former England World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio, was equally upbeat about the impact Russell could have on his side’s chances.
The Scot has impressed in his debut season in England since joining from Racing 92 last summer and Bath look set to make a big improvement on last season’s eighth-placed finish.
“It’s so good for them to have Finn Russell back,” Dallaglio said.
“You look at Saracens with Owen Farrell, Fin Smith for Northampton, George Ford (for Sale)
“Orlando Bailey is a very accomplished player but I think with Finn Russell there, the way he’s been playing this season, they have really got a shot at it.”
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