Bath’s Resurgence and Finn Russell’s Pivotal Role in Premiership Final Berth
Bath’s head coach Johann van Graan has heaped praise on the inspirational performance of out-half Finn Russell in their Gallagher Premiership semi-final victory over Sale. Just eight weeks ago, there were fears that the Scotland international’s season could be over after he sustained a significant groin injury while playing for Bath in the Investec Champions Cup.
However, the 31-year-old made a remarkable recovery, returning to the field just five weeks later. His contribution was pivotal in Bath’s 31-23 win, which secured their first Premiership final appearance since 2015. Van Graan highlighted Russell’s composure under pressure, particularly his crucial conversion kick from a wide angle that gave Bath an eight-point cushion in the closing stages.
“How good was Finn Russell today!” exclaimed van Graan. “We are blessed in the Premiership with incredible 10s, and Finn certainly delivered when it mattered most.”
The coach also acknowledged the outstanding performance of George Ford, emphasizing the depth of talent at the fly-half position in the league.
Van Graan’s Arrival and Bath’s Remarkable Turnaround
Van Graan’s arrival at Bath in the summer of 2022 has been a catalyst for the club’s remarkable turnaround. Few would have predicted that the former Munster coach could orchestrate such a swift transformation, given the chaos that had enveloped the club during the Stuart Hooper era.
“There was never a timeline,” explained van Graan. “We said, ‘Get better every single day,’ and if you have a playing group that wants to improve week in and week out, you can get somewhere.”
The coach praised the squad’s commitment to the team’s vision, their resilience, and their clinical execution under pressure.
Respecting the Past, Building a New Legacy
Reflecting on Bath’s journey, van Graan emphasized the importance of respecting the club’s rich history and tradition while also building a new legacy.
“We respect our past, but we start from zero,” he said. “This is about us. Firstly, we became tough to beat because rugby is a warrior sport, one of the last gladiator sports remaining, and you need guys who can do things that others can’t.”
With Bath now just 80 minutes away from claiming their first Premiership title since 1996, van Graan and his team are poised to write a new chapter in the club’s storied history.
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