Is Finn Russell's brilliance being suffocated at Bath? That's the bold claim from former England fly-half Stuart Barnes, who argues the team is struggling without their former attack coach, Lee Blackett. Bath, the reigning champions, have started the PREM season strongly, sitting comfortably in second place. But here's where it gets interesting: they've narrowly avoided back-to-back home defeats, first falling to Northampton Saints and then almost squandering a commanding 26-0 lead against Exeter Chiefs.
This dip in form coincides with a noticeable decline in Finn Russell's performance. Since the November internationals, the star fly-half hasn't quite reached his usual heights. Barnes believes this is directly linked to the absence of Blackett, whose attacking prowess was instrumental in Bath's success.
Blackett, now part of England's coaching setup, is credited with transforming strategy into tries and victories. His departure has left a void, with Bath increasingly relying on a predictable five-metre pick-and-drive strategy. This tactical conservatism, Barnes argues, is stifling Russell's natural flair and creativity.
Think of it like this: in football, teams like Arsenal dominate through set pieces. In rugby, the five-metre lineout is the go-to weapon for scoring tries. While backline moves can be spectacular, the bread and butter of modern rugby is the relentless pick-and-drive, a tactic favored by forwards coaches for its effectiveness, even if it lacks aesthetic appeal.
Is this reliance on a single tactic holding Bath back? Barnes seems to think so, suggesting that Blackett's absence is keenly felt. Interestingly, both England and Bath share a similar philosophy, prioritizing set-pieces, physicality, and a strong kicking game, a testament to Blackett's influence.
Despite this focus on fundamentals, Bath were a formidable attacking force in 2024/25, scoring an impressive 96 tries in 18 domestic games, topping the charts. Similarly, England, under Blackett's guidance, have shown a more potent attacking edge, even if they'll never be known for free-flowing, expansive rugby.
As Barnes points out, England's focus will always be on physicality and pressure, not flashy play. Steve Borthwick, while less reliant on constant kicking than in the 2023 World Cup, won't transform England into an international version of Northampton.
So, is Bath's current strategy limiting Russell's potential? And can England truly challenge the Springboks without embracing a more dynamic attacking style? These are questions that spark debate and highlight the complexities of modern rugby tactics. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
