Six Nations star compared to Xavi, Paul Scholes and Andres Iniesta but handed Lions warning
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Ex-England rugby star Will Greenwood says there’s glaring flaw which could prevent Scotland’s Finn Russell from starting for the British and Irish Lions.
Russell was part of an electric Scottish attack that outscored England three tries to one but still lost 16-15 on Saturday at Twickenham.
The 32-year-old fly-half even had the chance to win the contest for the Scots at the death following Duhan van der Merwe’s late try in the corner.
However, Russell’s conversion attempt sailed wide of the post having also missed the previous two.
Had one of those gone through the posts, Scotland would have made it five straight wins over England.
Despite Russell’s wayward efforts off the kicking tee, Greenwood believes the Lions’ fly-half role is the Scot’s to lose ahead of the representative team’s tour of Australia in June, July and August.
However, Ireland whizz-kid Sam Prendergast could rocket himself into contention given his accuracy with the boot.
“It’s always been Russell, right,” Greenwood told talkSPORT Breakfast.
“It’s always been Finn Russell. But if you can’t kick goals, suddenly Prendergast comes into the equation, and he’s a 22-year-old kid.
“If he leads Ireland to a Six Nations Grand Slam, then Prendergast is on the plane.
“If Finn Russell keeps missing, then there’s a question. Because I don’t think there’s a goal-kicking fullback out there.”
Prendergast had the unenviable task of replacing the legendary Johnny Sexton as Ireland’s first-choice fly-half.
However, the Kildare native has warmed to the role and earned player of the round honours following his performance in Ireland’s 32-18 win over Scotland in the second round of this year’s Six Nations tournament.
Prendergast was lethal with the boot for the Irish in their gritty 27-18 win over Wales last weekend as he kicked five penalties and one conversion, missing just once off the tee.
Although Prendergast may be more impressive at slotting home two and three-pointers, he may not possess the all-round game Russell does.
In fact, Greenwood even compared Russell to three football greats as a way of highlighting just how brilliant he is.
“By the way, Russell, I know he’s getting lambasted for missing, what a rugby player,” Greenwood said.
“He is a dream. He’s spraying it about. He’s like Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta at their best, Paul Scholes.
“He’s just firing short ones, long ones, knuckleballs, just little turn-and-gives.
“He’s an absolute joy to watch.”
Lions head coach Andy Farrell is expected to name his touring squad in April.
