The criticism keeps coming for Finn Russell. As if the pain of his late missed conversion that cost his side Calcutta Cup glory wasn’t enough, the No.10 has since been blasted for being seen smiling in an England shirt just minutes after the final whistle.
Former Ireland rugby team outside half Johnny Sexton has since shot down the prospect of the Scot starting for the Lions this summer, and now Eddie Jones has joined the chorus of voices taking aim at the 32-year-old.
The outspoke Aussie has had his say on his former side’s dramatic 16-15 win at Twickenham. He cited how home skipper Maro Itoje dealt with the referee was critical to the outcome while also taking a shot at Russell.
Referring to the 13-10 penalty count in England’s favour, he told Planet Rugby: “The 50/50 calls went England’s way; that is indisputable. Breakdown became jeopardy as the officials allowed a contest, and that suited England who wanted to play a low ruck high kick game.
“The ruck contest and the management of it was key. Maro Itoje did a fantastic job on communication with the officials – people underestimate the age-old importance of keeping the refereeing team on your side.
“Maro’s calm and gentle way of interacting against Finn Russell’s more direct approach was good to see as that’s not always been the case for English sides. I’d align it to getting marginal calls off cricket umpires – get them to agree with your view of events, and it assists in getting those 50/50 calls.”
Itoje’s approach seemingly paid dividends regarding Russell’s match-defining kick. After Duhan van de Merwe went over in the corner, the skipper was deemed by referee Pierre Brousset to be two metres too far in from the touchline as he placed the ball on the tee.
In the video footage of the discussion, Itoje can be seen urging the official to act on Russell’s apparent indiscretion. The change of angle proved critical as the kick sailed narrowly wide of the left upright.
Jones was also critical of Scotland’s talisman for his lines of attack and also made a jibe at the visitors’ pack. He argued that they didn’t make the inroads needed in midfield to set up the platforms needed to get behind the home defence.
“Russell should have made a lot more impact attacking the open side of the pitch,” he added. “He, together with his ball carriers (up front), failed to make those opportunities pay.”
Japan coach Jones has been back in the UK working as an ITV pundit during the Six Nations, having left his role with England in late 2022. Before last weekend, he was the last England coach to preside over a Calcutta Cup win in 2020.
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