Gallagher Premiership: Ugo Monye warns 'joyful' Finn Russell will 'come hunting' off-colour Northampton Saints

Ugo Monye has warned Northampton Saints that Bath’s Finn Russell will “come hunting” if they show even the slightest weakness in their defence during the highly anticipated Gallagher Premiership final on Saturday, live on TNT Sports.

There are plenty of intriguing battles that will play out all over the pitch but in Russell, Bath have one of the best fly-halves in the world and a player who can conjure magic from anywhere.

The Scotsman joined Johann van Graan’s side from Racing 92 last summer and has made an immediate impact, playing a key role throughout the season and leading Bath into a first Premiership final for 28 years with a tight last-four win over Sale Sharks.

Assessing his first season in England’s top-flight, Monye said: “It’s been huge. There are some ways in which it’s easy to measure: they are in a first Premiership final in 28 years, that helps.

“He gives that swagger, that appeal, and he creates doubt and nervousness in defences because you know if you’re off your game he’s going to come hunting.

“And it’s quite nice to have this figurehead that’s actually so unphased by the mentions and conversations that surround him, because it’s a lot for one person to take but it doesn’t seem to be that way for Finn.”

But it’s not just his own contribution that has boosted Bath’s cause. He brings more to the table than the fizzed passes, exquisite offloads and brilliant game management that grab the headlines.

He has scored 153 points, assisted 10 tries, beaten 24 defenders, gained 572 metres, the list goes on, but it’s what his presence instils in those around him that has arguably made the biggest difference.

“He hasn’t done it alone,” Monye added. “I think there are other intangible ways you can’t quite measure: belief, confidence, not just from the squad but from the stands. I think the stands, when he arrived they were like, ‘Oh my gosh I think we can make a decent run’.”

It’s likely Bath will need Russell to be at his best if they are to beat Northampton, who come into the final as favourites having topped the regular season table and ended the reign of Saracens in the semis.

However, it’s for these occasions that he was brought in and there are few who thrive under the spotlight quite like the 31-year-old.

“It’s something he’s very used to,” Monye continued. “In finals you need cool heads and he has one of the coolest heads in the game. Whether it’s a mistake or not, he moves on to the next thing.

“Also, to have one of the best players in the world playing in the league, for us as broadcasters it’s just brilliant. It’s joyful to watch and commentate and experience it all.”

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