Finn Russell Doesn’t Hold Back on Warren Gatland – Calls Out ‘Boring’ Tactics in Fiery Rant
Rugby NewsTuesday, 29 October 2024 at 07:43
podcast, he reflected,
The British & Irish Lions tours are renowned for bringing together the best talent from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. But what happens when these stars feel their potential is stifled?
Finn Russell recently joined the ranks of Lions players voicing concerns about head coach Warren Gatland's conservative approach, particularly after the narrow 2-1 series defeat against South Africa.
Here’s a look at other players who’ve openly questioned Gatland’s methods and called for a bolder, more expansive style of play on rugby’s biggest stage.
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#1. Sean O'Brien (2017) - “We Could Have Won 3-0”
After the 2017 New Zealand tour, Sean O’Brien, who started all three Tests of the drawn series, voiced his frustrations with the Lions’ game plan.
“If we had a little more structure during the weeks, and more of an attack gameplan, driven way earlier in the tour, I think we could have won 3-0,” he said. “With the players we had, we should have won the series.”
O’Brien later reinforced his point of view during an interview with teammate James Haskell, stating: “When you look at the players we had—there was so much world-class talent in the squad, enough to have won all the Tests.”
He noted that while New Zealand had an impressive history, he believed the Lions could have broken through: “Look at what has happened to New Zealand since 2017... We (Ireland) beat them in 2018; South Africa beat them down there in 2018; Argentina had their win last year, England destroyed them in the (2019) World Cup.”
Sean O'Brien Facts:
- Played for Ireland for ten years and toured twice with the Lions
- Primarily plays as an openside flanker, versatile across the back-row
- Co-owner of Bellamy's Pub in Ballsbridge, Dublin, with Leinster teammates
#2. Finn Russell (2021) - “We Should Have Played More Rugby!”
Following the 2-1 defeat to South Africa, Finn Russell shared his perspective on the Lions’ tactics during an episode of the
Scottish Rugby podcast.
“I thought that all three Tests we should have played more rugby and gone at them a little bit more,” he said. Reflecting on the first two Tests, he added, “The first two Tests we played off nine for two phases, and I kind of felt that played into their defence.”
Russell described watching the same tactics unfold as he sat on the bench: “We were keeping the attack narrow instead of having a wide attack... I was sitting on the bench thinking we are doing the same as in the last two games even though we’ve spoken about being a little bit more expansive.”
“There wasn’t much rugby that actually got played.
When he came on, he made his best efforts to switch up the strategy, saying, “With coming on early enough, I was able to try and play that style of rugby.”
Finn Russell Facts:
#3. Brian O'Driscoll (2013) - “I Just Wanted to Be Part of It”
The Lions’ 2013 tour to Australia saw a major moment of controversy, with Brian O’Driscoll dropped for the final Test and not included in training. On The Rugby Centurions
“I came down on the Friday and on our whiteboard it said, ‘Non-23 are not needed at training.’ I thought, ‘They don’t even want us to hold shields.’ I found that very difficult.”
O’Driscoll later told Gatland that he felt the exclusion of non-playing members was a mistake, saying, “I thought that was a mistake... in so many teams it’s those that don’t get chosen that prep the team for battle.” Describing the experience as a “long 48 hours,” he shared how difficult it was to feel separated from the group that went on to make history.
Brian O'Driscoll Facts:
- Fourth most-capped player in rugby history with 141 test matches
- Holds Six Nations record for most tries scored with 26
- Now works as an analyst for BT Sport and ITV Sport and is an investor in several ventures, including the Ultimate Rugby app
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NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: "For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
"But I go for Folau - only just, I should stress - because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
"It’s a toss of a coin for me... and it’s come down in Folau’s favour."
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
"I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
"When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem."
Outside-centre: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
"A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."
Inside-centre: Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: "He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
"What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years."
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: "When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
"But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
"He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that."
Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Owens said: "There are lots of outside-halves who have been great, but not one who has done it over so many years like Carter.
"Before the 2015 World Cup, some people said he was past his best and wouldn’t make the New Zealand squad for the tournament.
"But for Carter to come back from injury and play as well as he did then is a sign of a special player."
Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot (Argentina)
Owens said: "I used to love watching Dwayne Peel in his prime as a scrum-half for those few years between 2004-06 with Wales, the Lions and Llanelli. Talented, a great guy, he also has a house just up the road from me!
"But I’ve just plumped for Pichot who was a great player for the Pumas and also a great ambassador for the game of rugby in general.
"Pichot and Felipe Contepomi were the ones who helped transform Argentina into one of the greatest sides in the world. He was an architect behind their march to the World Cup semi-finals in 2007, which set the trend ahead of their excellent showing in the 2015 tournament, too."
Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Owens said: "He rarely smiles but has been a terrific player at loose-head prop. When I’ve penalised him and he’s smiled, I know I’d got the decision right!
"But, suffice to say, he hasn’t smiled often when I’ve refereed him. Another who has stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about his ability and character."
Hooker: John Smit (South Africa)
Owens said: "He led the Springboks to success at the 2007 World Cup in France and against the 2009 Lions and is probably one of the greatest captains I have dealt with. He’s a good man and was a very good player at hooker."
Springbok Captain, John Smit forcing his way up field with England's, Tom Rees in his way - Photo mandatory by-line: Jan Kruger / Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 221108 - SPORT - RUGBY - INTERNATIONAL - INVESTEC CHALLENGE - ENGLAND V SOUTH AFRICA - TWICKENHAM
Tighthead-prop: Phil Vickery (England)
Owens said: "I always had a lot of time for him, found him a decent man, a good player to referee. He wasn’t one of those who would whinge at decisions, he would accept the call and get on with it.
"As a player, at his peak with Wasps during their European runs and with England in 2007, he was a formidable force.
"Just about edges out Carl Hayman, another great player and a pretty honest one as well. When he got it wrong and I penalised him, he would accept it."
England's, Phil Vickery - PHIL MINGO/©Pinnacle - Photo Agency UK Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 -13/02/05 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - SIX NATIONS - ENGLAND V FRANCE - TWICKENHAM, LONDON, ENGLAND
Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Owens said: "A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything."
Lock: Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Owens said: "Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory."
Paul O'Connell of Ireland seen during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy v Ireland at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 4th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby
Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.
"Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.
"There were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn’t tempted to blame anyone.
"He acted as a true leader should act."
England's, Toby Flood fall short of the try line and is taken off the field after France's, Thierry Dusautoir landed on him - Photo mandatory by-line: Jan Kruger / Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 150309 - SPORT - RUGBY - RBS 6 NATIONS - England v France - Twickenham
Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Owens said: "Even though there’s been David Pocock and others in this position, how can I not go with Richie?
"If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards.
"How McCaw managed to put his body on the line and sometimes the wrong side at rucks for so many years at flanker is incredible."
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Owens said: "I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.
"Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary."
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