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ABC News
16 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
British and Irish Lions fly half Finn Russell on the calmness he feels ahead of the series finale
There's always been something about Finn Russell that sets him apart. Oftentimes, it's his manner on the field, a sense that he is seeing things a little bit quicker than those around him. A darting run here, a no-look pass there, a chip kick out wide that catches half the crowd wondering what he has seen that they have not. It is a flickering of brilliance that surrounds him whenever he gets the ball in his hands. He is Scotland and the Lions' chief conductor, a maestro of rare talent, directing his Lions across the field with the confidence that only comes from the experience and self-belief that abounds from the 32-year-old. But in the bowels of the MCG after the dramatic, last-gasp second Test victory, Russell stood out for other reasons. One, he was wearing a Wallabies jersey at least three sizes too small for him — it was Tom Lynagh's, who professed to being a little starstruck when they opposed each other in the first Test. Two, he had a garland of Caramilk Wallabies around his neck, provided by Bundee Aki. "I think it's from Tonga," Russell said, by way of explanation. "My daughter's been eating the chocolates," he added, a wry grin on his face. Even in a nondescript, breeze-blocked corridor, Russell finds a way to stand out. Completing a series victory with a game to play is huge for Russell, the continuation of a superb 2024/25 season where he has shrugged aside the one thing that had perhaps counted against him when his name was mentioned among the game's greats — a lack of trophies. Scotland have improved out of sight since he made his senior international debut in late 2014, with the side finishing bottom of the Six Nations ladder the following spring without a win. A winless Championships has not happened since, but the Scots have still struggled to challenge the big boys of Europe, with an average finishing position of fourth. A lack of trophies has followed him domestically, too, be it with Glasgow Warriors or Racing 92. But that changed when he moved to Bath, with whom he won the Premiership/Premiership Rugby Cup double, as well as the European Challenge Cup. Now, in his third Lions tour, Russell has finally tasted success with a touring side — and as the side's undisputed number one stand-off. "This year has been a very special year for myself," Russell said at the MCG. "We won a couple of titles in Bath and I've not won much in my career, so to have won two with Bath and then this now, it's amazing. It's so special." Russell has been at the heart of everything the Lions have achieved on tour. In the first Test, in Brisbane, it was the laconic Scot pulling the strings with a skill and speed that the under-prepared Wallabies simply had no answer to. The Lions' opening try was a case in point: A darting run past one marker. An offload out of contact to release the man on his right. A floating pass all the way over three dumbfounded Wallaby defenders for Sione Tuipulotu to score. It was textbook brilliance. In Melbourne, it was different, but Russell was still there, crafting a complicated puzzle that eventually paid off. After the Wallabies scored their first points of the game, Russell gave the hosts a reminder that you simply cannot take your eyes off him, getting to halfway and punching a restart over the retreating defenders into the corner. It was a reminder that, even if things were not going his way, the mercurial Scot had the capacity to simply will something into being. As the game progressed, the Wallabies showed they were no longer the inert, overwhelmed squad who were cowed by the might of the British Isles' best. The hosts had come out firing. So Russell, without the plentiful ball he had enjoyed in Brisbane, made his impact in other ways, namely via some massive kicks out of hand to put the Lions on the front foot. "It's something I've been working for a little bit on this tour, especially in terms of getting that ball as far to their tryline as possible," Russell said. "I had a few nice kicks today, which is good, and I think it's kind of my job. If I can get that as close as possible to the line, then we can launch different attacks off that. "We can have a quick chat before the penalty [about] what we think and I'll say let's see where the kick goes, but if I miss it, it's OK. It's kind of confidence to myself that I can execute." The Lions needed that degree of confidence and composure to fight back from 18 points down — the largest deficit the Lions have ever recovered from in a Test match — to score a winning try in the final seconds. Russell and his scrum half Jamison Gibson-Park were everywhere in that final passage of play, pulling those strings and ensuring the Lions got their magic moment. The Scotsman was adamant there was nothing wrong with Jac Morgan's "textbook" clear-out from his vantage point next to the ruck and, although he would not commit to saying the series-sealing victory was the greatest moment of his career so far, he was thrilled to be on the winning side. "I think everyone here has been gunning for it their whole career," Russell said in Melbourne. "To get to the Lions is one thing, and then to get a series win is another. "This is now effectively my third tour, [and I've] not won one. So it's so special to get this. "It's a mad journey but you've got to appreciate every part of it. "You can't look back and think, had I not been injured in South Africa, I had been called out before and in New Zealand … you can't look like that. You've got to just look at the positives. "It's always a privilege getting called into the Lions, whether it's later on in the tour, or having been there from the start. "So I think just being here, taking part in my third tour … the most important thing is to win it and now we've done that, it's now making sure we finish it off as well." Russell said the entire team was calm in the final moments: "There was no stress … we knew what we had to get it done," Russell said. It is that calmness that has developed in his career. "It's like I'm calm, if that makes sense," Russell said. "Every game is kind of the same. It's 15-on-15, and obviously, there's different things on the line every game, whether that's winning to get points for Bath to get into that top two or top four, whether it's winning here to build the prep for the next Test. Every game is different, but it's preparing the same every week. "And I think, for me, I'm loving my rugby just now. I'm usually always loving it, but especially just now. "This season's been amazing, last season as well. I think I'm just, yeah, loving it. "It's hard to kind of put into words … some boys might say that's the most confident I've been in and I'm playing my best rugby and whatnot, which may be true, it may not be, I don't know." Given he is playing some of the best rugby in the world at the moment, surely he will play the final Test, even if the series is not on the line any more? "I think everyone wants to play in that game," he said. "If we can make it a 3-0 series, that will be amazing. "I think it will be a brilliant occasion for everyone playing. Bringing four nations together to be a family for 5–6 weeks and to get the series win's amazing, but the job's still not done yet. "We need to go and try and finish it off next week, even though we got the series, we need to go and finish it off and finish on a high."
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Lions player ratings: Keenan and Gibson-Park among the star turns as bench impresses
15 Hugo Keenan Won the Test series for the Lions in the 78th minute with a try. Good under the high ball for the most part, a couple of great clearance kicks, try-scoring pass for Huw Jones's try. Brilliant save to keep the ball from going over the touchline for 50/22. Rating: 8 14 Tommy Freeman He received a yellow card purely based on team transgressions. It was his muscular carry that had a pivotal impact in the build-up to the Tom Curry try. Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball; he just didn't get it often enough. Rating: 7 13 Huw Jones Took his try well but it was a tough night as the Aussie midfield profited and dominated from their team's gainline dominance in the first half. The Scot was called ashore before the halfway mark in the second half. Rating: 5 Bundee Aki runs away from Australia's Jake Gordon during the second test in Melbourne. Photograph: William West/AFP via Getty Images 12 Bundee Aki Done by Joseph Suaalii for Tom Wright's try, but produced a towering second-half display, highlighted by a superb break in the build-up to the Tadhg Beirne try. One of the few players to win the physical collisions. Had to switch to defend 13 channel and was gritty. Rating: 6 READ MORE 11 James Lowe A catalyst for the Tadhg Beirne try with a typical fend and pass but otherwise it was a bit scruffy at times, bit in on tackles, a knock-on in the air, and over-chased and let Tom Wright escape from his 22. Never really got any meaningful ball in attack. Rating: 5 Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki and Finn Russell celebrate the Lions victory at the MCG. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire 10 Finn Russell At his mercurial best at times with some wonderful line-kicking that gave his side the perfect lineout platform from which to attack. It was his capacity to get the ball to the right places and maximise the quick ball for a 30-minute period in the middle of the match that made the difference. Rating: 8 9 Jamison Gibson-Park Outstanding as the team's attacking metronome, his decision-making, range of passing, kicking game and vision was first class, one example of which was his superb work in spotting a mismatch for Tom Curry's try. Rating: 8 1 Andrew Porter Slightly surprising that he was taken off when he was because of his impact in general play and in helping the Lions to scrum dominance that should have been rewarded to a greater extent. His tackling was first class. Rating: 7 Dan Sheehan goes aerial to score the Lions' first try against Australia. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho 2 Dan Sheehan Not only a clever understanding of the laws to dive over for his try but knew from his previous tap penalty that the Aussie tacklers went low. Twice involved in the Tom Curry try, superb throwing and robust defence. Rating: 7 3 Tadhg Furlong Took a cheap shot from Will Skelton but thereafter produced a diligent, focused and highly effective performance, particularly in the tight exchanges when carrying but also in his tackling, which was good technically. Rating: 7 4 Maro Itoje (capt) The game's official man-of-the-match, he recovered from conceding two early penalties to lead his team by deed as much as anything else. He worked more smartly in the second half and was a breakdown threat. Rating: 7 5 Ollie Chessum (England) Couldn't fault his work-rate and application when it came to defence but didn't quite feature as much on the other side of the ball in terms of testing the tackle or in support play. A solid performance. Rating: 6 Tadhg Beirne scores the Lions' fourth try at the MCG. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho 6 Tadhg Beirne Another Herculean effort, initially in trying to shore up the holes that the Aussies punched in the Lions defence and thereafter in fighting for every inch at the breakdown. One break, and a measured finish to power over for his try. Rating: 7 7 Tom Curry He was having a brilliant game when replaced in the second half, one penalty concession aside. He stuck his tackles – one of Joseph Suaalii saved a try – and made himself a nuisance at the breakdown. Rating: 7 8 Jack Conan He had the ball knocked from his grasp in the act of what should have been a try-scoring moment but outside of that he had another super display, in winning the gainline with his carrying and showed great hands for the Tom Curry try. Rating: 7 Ellis Genge is tackled Billy Pollard and Langi Gleeson of Australia. Photograph:Replacements Completely different impact from last week, the bench had a pivotal influence on the end game providing energy and dynamism, none more so than Ellis Genge who was brilliant. The scrum won crucial penalties, but everyone made a difference when it mattered. Rating: 8 Head coach: Andy Farrell Andy Farrell will have been aghast with his team's passive performance, especially in losing the collisions in the first 25 minutes but his team rallied to score two tries before half-time and in a fraught finale watched Hugo Keenan forge a famous win. Rating: 7
The Journal
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Journal
Here's the Lions team - including nine Irish starters - for Saturday's second Test
Murray Kinsella Reports from Melbourne ANDY FARRELL HAS brought Bundee Aki, Andrew Porter, and Ollie Chessum into his Lions starting XV for Saturday's second Test against the Wallabies in Melbourne [KO 11am Irish time, Sky Sports]. Despite Joe McCarthy missing out due to injury, Ireland head coach Farrell is calling on nine Irish starters in his Lions team as he looks to clinch the series at the MCG. Porter comes in at loosehead prop as Ellis Genge drops to the bench, meaning it's an all-Irish starting front row of Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong. Chessum starts in the second row in place of McCarthy, who has a foot injury. Maro Itoje captains the side again, while the back row of Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, and Jack Conan is unchanged. Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell continue as the halfbacks, but there's a change at inside centre as Aki comes in for Sione Tuipulotu, who is left out of the matchday 23 altogether. Having initially been selected to start, Garry Ringrose misses out due to a head injury, as Huw Jones instead continues at number 13. The back three of James Lowe, Tommy Freeman, and Hugo Keenan is unchanged. There are a few fresh faces on the Lions bench, with Ireland's James Ryan, Wales' Jac Morgan, England's Owen Farrell, and Scotland's Blair Kinghorn included. Meanwhile, Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt has brought heavy hitters Will Skelton and Rob Valetini into his starting XV for the second Test. Second row Skelton and back row Valetini missed last weekend due to calf injuries. Advertisement Hooker Dave Porecki also comes into the Wallabies team, while back row Langi Gleeson returns from injury as part of a 6/2 split on the bench Lions: 15. Hugo Keenan 14. Tommy Freeman 13. Huw Jones 12. Bundee Aki 11. James Lowe 10. Finn Russell 9. Jamison Gibson-Park 1. Andrew Porter 2. Dan Sheehan 3. Tadhg Furlong 4. Maro Itoje (captain) 5. Ollie Chessum 6. Tadhg Beirne 7. Tom Curry 8. Jack Conan Replacements : 16. Rónan Kelleher 17. Ellis Genge 18. Will Stuart 19. James Ryan 20. Jac Morgan 21. Alex Mitchell 22. Owen Farrell 23. Blair Kinghorn Australia: 15. Tom Wright 14. Max Jorgensen 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 12. Len Ikitau 11. Harry Potter 10. Tom Lynagh 9. Jake Gordon 1. James Slipper 2. David Porecki 3. Allan Alaalatoa 4. Nick Frost 5. Will Skelton 6. Rob Valetini 7. Fraser McReight 8. Harry Wilson (captain) Replacements : 16. Billy Pollard 17. Angus Bell 18. Tom Robertson 19. Jeremy Williams 20. Langi Gleeson 21. Carlo Tizzano 22. Tate McDermott 23. Ben Donaldson Referee : Andrea Piardi [Italy].
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Lions v Australia Live score updates, kick-off time and more for second test
The British and Irish Lions compete in their second test against Australia this morning with a record nine Irish players set to start for the tourists. Andy Farrell is without Joe McCarthy and Garry Ringrose, who were both in line for starting spots while Bundee Aki comes into the starting team. The Lions cruised to a 27-19 victory last weekend in a scoreline that flattered the Wallabies and there is fear that today could be a blowout. However, the Joe Schmidt element always adds intrigue to these occasions. Today's match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is expected to draw a crowd in the region of 90,000 which would be a new record for a Lions Test match. Follow live updates below. Kick-off is at 11pm on Sky Sports. Australia: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lynagh, Gordon; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Skelton, Valetini, McReight, Wilson (capt). Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Williams, Gleeson, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson. British and Irish Lions: Keenan; Freeman, Jones, Aki, Lowe; Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje (capt), Chessum, Beirne, Curry, Conan. Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Ryan, Morgan, Mitchell, Farrell, Kinghorn. Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita) Assistant Referee 1: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) Assistant Referee 2: Ben O'Keeffe (NZ) TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra) Foul play review officer (FPRO): Marius Jonker (SA) 09:06 Steffan Thomas Join us for live updates as the British & Irish Lions take on Australia in the second Test. Victory for Andy Farrell's men will result in a first series victory since 2013 but the Wallabies should be stronger than they were last week with the return of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini boosting their pack. Today's Test match will be played in front of a crowd in the region of 90,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground which will be a record for the Lions. Farrell has made three changes to his starting XV with Andrew Porter, Ollie Chessum and Bundee Aki coming in. Wales star Jac Morgan has been named among the replacements.
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Australia v British and Irish Lions second Test: All you need to know
Australia host the Lions in the second Test on Saturday with the series on the line. It's simply win or bust for the Wallabies after last weekend's underwhelming 27-19 defeat in Brisbane. The famed MCG is the scene and a crowd of around 90,000 is expected. A win for Andy Farrell's men will clinch a first Lions series win since 2013. Find out all you need to know here. ONLINE There will be a live blog on and the RTÉ News app, as well as match report, reaction and player ratings. TV Australia v British and Irish Lions will be shown on Sky Sports with kick-off at 11am Irish time. WEATHER There was a severe weather warning for Melbourne on Friday afternoon to evening, and rain is predicted for Saturday 8pm (local) kick-off. Temperature around 11C. Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. While last weekend's scoreline looked close on paper, the Lions held the Wallabies at arm's length throughout the game, and it was only when the contest was over that the Aussies did some damage. Neither side will read too much into that but Andy Farrell will demand an 80-minute performance this time around. There's more heft in the Aussie pack with the addition of Rob Valetini, Will Skelton and David Porecki and the hope for Joe Schmidt is that they provide more front-foot ball for the backs to work off. They were distinctly second-best last week across all areas, on and off the ball, and achieving something like parity up front will be crucial to their cause. It's set for a wet evening in Melbourne so expect a lot of kicking and aerial battles. The Lions have made three changes to the team with Bundee Aki coming in for Sione Tuipulotu, Andrew Porter replacing Ellis Genge and Ollie Chessum in for the injured Joe McCarthy. Garry Ringrose was originally selected but withdrew after self-reporting concussion symptoms. Still, there are a record nine Ireland internationals in the starting team, with Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe and Hugo Keenan all retaining their places. Maro Itoje captains from the second row and Finn Russell will run the operation from out-half. Rónan Kelleher and James Ryan are on the bench, alongside Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn who didn't make the squad last weekend. For the home side, in come forwards Valetini, Skelton and Porecki with Schmidt also making three changes. This is the 25th meeting of the teams, with the Lions winning 18 and losing six. The tourists, ten-point favourites for this game, have won seven series and lost two. British and Irish Lions: Hugo Keenan; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum; Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan. Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, James Ryan, Jac Morgan, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell, Blair Kinghorn. Australia: Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; Tom Lynagh, Jake Gordon; James Slipper, David Porecki, Allan Alaalatoa; Nick Frost, Will Skelton; Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson. Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson. OFFICIALS Assistant Referee 1: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) Assistant Referee 2: Ben O'Keeffe (NZ) TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra) WHAT THEY SAID Joe Schmidt (Australia head coach): "We don't have the intention this week of being submissive. It'd be special for this group [to win]. I think it would accelerate a little bit of their growth as well, because in terms of gaining confidence, it's hard to top competing with the best." Andy Farrell (Lions head coach): "We certainly feel we left a few things out there [last weekend], most aspects of our game will need to better but it is proving to ourselves it can be better as well. Doing things properly, that is what we have talked about all week."
