Every point will count towards the final stretch of the Premier League season and on this evidence Bath will have reason to thank Finn Russell when the post-season tally comes to an end. One of the reasons for the Scotland scrum-half’s move to the West Country was a desire to compete for trophies and he, along with Joe Cokanasiga, was one of the key architects of a major victory that lifted his side to promotion Second place in the standings.
The Bath forward’s dominance in the final quarter was also responsible for a sixth consecutive defeat in all competitions, but Russell was responsible for four of his side’s five attempts, kicking from all angles. An impressive goal and, more importantly, he also scored his first conceded goal. His Premier League career has relied on his weaker left foot. Two tries from Cokanasiga and one from England’s Ollie Lawrence also highlighted Bath’s overall superiority.
The final scoreline could have been even wider had Cokanasiga latched on to Lawrence’s pass in the closing seconds and the big winger’s hat trick looked like a mere formality. By then, however, the Sharks had long since been swept into the water on a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon by the River Avon, and Russell was benched for bigger tasks ahead.
With 17 minutes remaining and the game tied at 24-24, if it felt like a home victory was not guaranteed, Sale’s set-pieces were starting to look erratic, and with his quick passing, few were better than Russell. Be good at taking advantage of this. Bass scored 18 points in 12 minutes, including a small left-footed shot from Russell, to close the gap on leaders Northampton to two points with five games remaining in the regular season. .
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said afterwards that Bath can now win games in a number of ways. They can cut you open, as they did delightfully twice or thrice with a flurry of play from Russell, and they can make teams feel it with scrum-half Ben Spencer’s brilliant kicking Frustrated, or, if need be, they can take a route right. Put those three together, and if they can keep their composure as well, they’ll be a potential contender this year.
Searle was no passive observer. They also attacked with purpose at times, with Manu Tuilagi taking advantage of Russell’s tackle spin, His performance gave his team a first-quarter lead and showed why Bayonne are willing to spend a fortune in euros to sign him for next season. This time, though, a re-energized Cokanasiga looked just as dangerous, with Russell, Tom Dunn and finally Cam Redpath putting him back in the lead after the early chances faded.
George Ford, playing on the touchline as he does for England, was also asking questions for his old club and Sale took the lead just after half-time, with Tom Roebuck intercepting Spencer passed the ball and cleared the ball. Although Alfie Barbieri was lost at half-time with a hamstring strain and Lawrence received a yellow card, Bath always seemed capable of solving problems when needed.
Cokanasiga added his second try – his 10th in nine games – with a deft flick from Russell and support from Sam Underhill and the excellent Ted Hill. Try – Despite Sam Dugdale’s reply from Sale, Bath were able to wrest back control when the game mattered. With the Sharks under pressure from set-pieces and sledgehammers, Dunn was at the bottom and earned a try bonus point, this time with another fine pass from Will Muir putting Lawrence on the left.
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Bath’s director of rugby, Johan van Graan, was at pains to stress afterwards that Russell was not the only weapon at the team’s disposal, but equally he acknowledged the Scot’s key role in the club’s search for domestic and international success. Champion cup. “He’s an unbelievable guy with a very unique personality,” said van Graan, who suggested Russell had quickly moved on from Scotland’s roller-coaster Six Nations campaign. “He has the ability to put the past behind him… He fit into the team very quickly.”
Sanderson, a receiver, was equally effusive in his praise. “We contacted him a few times today but now you don’t contact him. Like we did in the second half, the moment you start to perform. You feel like you’re in a really good position defensively and then you think : “Where did that come from? “He has that X-factor and can create something from nothing.”
Bath hosts Harlequins next week in what promises to be another exciting game. Winning this game will put Van Graan’s side well into the mix, with a Champions League last 16 tie at Exeter next. “As a club we dream big dreams,” van Graan said, insisting his side were looking to compete on all fronts. At this rate, they may still do it.
