With Finn Russell ruled out, Bath have handed the keys to their attack to Argentina international Santi Carreras for Saturday’s huge Gallagher Premiership showdown with Leicester Tigers at The Rec.
The clash could prove decisive in the battle for second place, and Johann van Graan has backed Carreras to steer the reigning champions despite concerns over his goal-kicking consistency.
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Carreras boasts a perfect record when starting at fly-half for Bath, having worn the No.10 shirt in victories over Newcastle Falcons in December and Sale Sharks in March. However, his return from the tee in those matches was less convincing, converting just eight of his 13 attempts at goal.
With what is expected to be a tight, high-stakes encounter, Bath will need the Puma to rediscover the accuracy he showed during last year’s Rugby Championship campaign.
Van Graan opted against starting Ciaran Donoghue at fly-half, with the 23-year-old still easing his way back after the serious knee injury he suffered against Munster during pre-season.
Donoghue has not been included in the matchday 23, with Max Ojomoh once again trusted as emergency fly-half cover after impressing in the role previously. Cam Redpath provides further insurance from the bench.
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Speaking after Bath’s defeat to Bristol Bears, Van Graan revealed Russell’s calf issue had forced the club into a cautious approach.
“He has got a tight calf. I pulled him out of training early in the week,” said the Bath boss.
“We have already qualified for a semi-final, which is still two weeks away, so we just made a decision not to risk anything.”
Van Graan had earlier indicated the club would carefully monitor the Scotland star before making a final decision on his availability.
“We will assess him through next week and see how he is.”
“If we just look at the facts, on the weekend of the 13th we are playing a semi-final and we want our best available team ready for then.
“We will take our time with it and make a decision whether he plays against Leicester or whether we hold him back another week.”
Russell has been central to Bath’s impressive campaign, producing a series of match-winning displays and helping guide the club to the verge of securing a home route through the play-offs.
Whether he is fit enough to face Leicester could be one of the defining stories of the Premiership season.
POLL:
Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Kepueli Tuipulotu, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Ted Hill, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Santi Carreras, 11 Henry Arundell, 12 Max Ojomoh, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville
Replacements: 16 Dan Frost, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Vilikesa Sela, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Ewan Richards, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Cameron Redpath, 23 Miles Reid
Leicester Tigers: 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Jamie Blamire, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Cameron Henderson, 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Hanro Liebenberg, 7 Tommy Reffell, 8 Olly Cracknell, 9 Jack Van Poortvliet, 10 James O’Connor, 11 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 12 Orlando Bailey, 13 Will Wand, 14 Adam Radwan, 15 George Pearson
Replacements: 16 Charlie Clare, 17 Archie van der Flier, 18 Will Hurd, 19 George Martin, 20 Hamish Watson, 21 Charlie Bemand, 22 Solomone Kata, 23 Izaia Perese
Five Quirky Facts About Finn Russell
1. He almost became a stonemason instead of a rugby player
Before turning professional, Russell worked as a stonemason apprentice in Scotland and was close to pursuing the trade full-time.
2. He wasn’t part of a professional academy system growing up
Unlike many modern internationals, Russell took a less conventional route to the top and played club rugby while developing outside the elite pathway.
3. He’s got two memorable nicknames
Despite being one of rugby’s most creative playmakers, Russell isn’t known for having the imposing physique of some modern professionals. As a result, he has been nicknamed ‘Russell the Muscle’, while former Munster and Ireland star Simon Zebo famously dubbed him ‘White Chocolate’ — a nod to his flair, unpredictability and ability to produce moments of magic that few others would even attempt.
4. Family comes first off the pitch
Away from rugby, Russell is a devoted family man. The Scotland star shares two daughters, Charlie and Skye, with his fiancée Emma Canning, a former Scottish international heptathlete. Russell often credits his young family with helping him switch off from the pressures of professional rugby and keeping him grounded away from the spotlight.
5. He became the highest-paid player in Premiership Rugby history
When he joined Bath from Racing 92, Russell reportedly signed one of the most lucrative contracts ever seen in English club rugby, underlining his status as one of the biggest names in world rugby.
QUIZ: Can you name every Gallagher PREM winning captain since 2000?
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