Some players just have “it”. A little more time on the ball, a knack of finding space where none appears to exist, a willingness to do things slightly differently. There is just one snag. Not every coach likes different or unpredictable. Which is why some truly outstanding creative talents have never enjoyed the absolute trust – or the tonnage of caps – their ability deserved.
This week has shone a light on a couple of prime examples. The first is Finn Russell, who has topped a half century of caps for Scotland and started a Test for the British & Irish Lions as recently as last year. Over the weekend he had another spectacular game for his club Racing 92, earning him a place in the Top 14 team of the week. And yet still his national coach, Gregor Townsend, seems less than convinced and has omitted the fly-half from Scotland’s squad for the autumn internationals.
