2023-08-04 18:22:35
For his 70th selection with the XV du Chardon, Finn Russell will be captain against the XV of France. A logical choice according to hooker Ewan Ashman.
Scotland fly-half Finn Russell, freshly appointed captain of the XV du Chardon, “is a natural leader“, assured hooker Ewan Ashman, Friday, on the eve of the preparation match for the World Cup against France.
«Finn, he’s always been a leader so I think he’s going to be great. It’s natural for him. His vision of the game is incomparable, he will play his game. He is calm, he is relaxed“, explained Ashman (23 years old, 7 selections).
«Like I said, he’s always been a leader so the transition is going to be natural for him. I’m sure he’ll be good in this role: he knows how to talk to other players, he knows their job but, above all, he pays great attention to detail. We talked a lot this week and his way of seeing the game is incredible… He’s someone you can talk to. There is time for everyone“, he added.
In the absence of rear Stuart Hogg, who retired before the World Cup-2023 (September 8-October 28), or third line Jamie Ritchie, injured, it is Russell (30 years old, 69 selections) who will assume the role of captain.
A great return for the former Racing 92 player, who will join the English from Bath after the World Cup: relations between the whimsical Russell and his coach Gregor Townsend have long been strained, the player had been notably sent back to the club in the heart of the 2020 Six Nations Tournament.
Having become a father in November, Russell now seems at peace. “It relaxes you. He is great with the younger ones and knows how to calm them down. He’s a classy guy“Ashman further underlined.
After the match against Scotland on Saturday at Murrayfield, the Blues of Fabien Galthié will find the XV du Chardon in Saint-Étienne the following week before receiving Fiji in Nantes then Australia at the Stade de France.
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