Finn Russell called 'classless' for what he did at full-time against Gloucester

In a thrilling clash, Bath put eight tries past their rivals, bouncing back from defeat against Bristol in style. Despite trailing at half-time by seven points, Bath stormed back in the second half to extend their impressive winning streak over Gloucester.

Gloucester had the upper hand early on, with Max Llewellyn, Tomos Williams, and Charlie Atkinson crossing the line, while Beno Obano and Russell replied for Bath. But the tides turned after the break, as Obano added a second, followed by a try from Josh Bayliss and a penalty try, flipping the match on its head.

Russell’s ‘shhh’ gesture to the home supporters—his second time stirring the Kingsholm crowd—caused a stir. The outspoken No.10, always at the centre of the action, couldn’t resist silencing the Gloucester faithful as Bath celebrated their derby triumph.

The reaction? Mixed, as ever. One fan fumed: “Finn Russell is classless. Why did he do that?” while another grumbled, “Not really in the DNA of rugby.” But others relished the fly-half’s cheeky gesture, with one supporter cheering, “Love that from Finn Russell!” and another adding, “Never change, Finn.”

10. Ange Capuozzo (Italy) – The young Italian fullback has gained a lot of attention for his electrifying play and highlight-reel moments, but some critics feel that his defensive frailties and occasional lack of consistency make him less of an all-around threat than the hype suggests.

9. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) – Barrett is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, but some believe his performances have been inconsistent, particularly at the Test level in recent years. They argue that while he excels in Super Rugby, his form for the All Blacks has fluctuated.

8. Maro Itoje (England) – While Itoje is seen as a world-class lock and one of England's key players, there are critics who believe that his influence is sometimes overstated, especially when England is struggling as a team.

7. Sam Cane (New Zealand) – As captain of the All Blacks, Cane faces high expectations. Some fans feel his leadership and performances haven't lived up to the level of his predecessors, like Richie McCaw, making him a target for criticism.

6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa) - Including Kolisi on a list of overrated players can be controversial due to his significant achievements and leadership. However, some critics argue that Kolisi's global prominence, particularly after leading South Africa to the 2019 Rugby World Cup victory, has overshadowed his on-field performances, which they claim are not always as impactful as his leadership role. Detractors might suggest that his leadership and symbolic importance sometimes eclipse his actual playing ability when compared to other top-tier flankers.

5. Marcus Smith (England) – A highly talented and creative fly-half, Marcus Smith has been heralded as the future of English rugby. However, some feel the hype around him has outpaced his actual impact on the international stage, particularly in tight, high-pressure matches, where consistency has been an issue.

4. Owen Farrell (England) – One of England’s most polarising figures, Farrell’s leadership and kicking ability are unquestionable, but his sometimes abrasive playing style, along with a lack of creativity in attack, has led some to question whether he’s overhyped, especially when he was England’s primary playmaker.

3. Finn Russell (Scotland) – Known for his flair and creativity, Russell is sometimes seen as overrated due to his high-risk, high-reward style of play. While he can produce magical moments, his inconsistency and decision-making under pressure are often questioned.

2. Faf de Klerk (South Africa) – Known for his high-energy style and defensive work, de Klerk is a polarising figure. While he’s a key player for South Africa, critics argue that his decision-making, particularly in attack, and reliance on kicking can make him overrated compared to the top scrum-halves in the world.

1. Romain Ntamack (France) – Despite his brilliant displays for France, Ntamack has faced criticism for not always living up to the high expectations, especially when compared to other top international fly-halves. Some feel his performances lack consistency in critical moments.