Clive Woodward backs Lions star to ‘be the difference’ in Wallabies Test series after ‘league of his own effort’ in Perth

Clive Woodward has declared that Finn Russell will “be the difference in the Test series” versus the Wallabies based on what he achieved in his first appearance on the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour.

Having sat out the pre-tour departure loss to Argentina in Dublin due to his starring role the previous weekend in Bath’s Premiership title win, Russell was named starting No.10 to take on Western Force on Saturday in the Lions’ first match on Australian soil.

The Scotland fly-half didn’t disappoint in the comfortable 54-7 win in Perth. So good was his effort three weeks out from the start of the Test series against the Wallabies that even Woodward, the underwhelming 2005 Lions head coach in New Zealand, singled him out as the likely difference when the real business gets going in Brisbane on July 19.

Writing in his latest Daily Mail column, Woodward, who guided England to their 2003 World Cup win in Australia, reckoned Russell put in a fantastic shift that oozed maturity.

“Finn Russell was in a league of his own in Perth, stamping his mark on the team from No 10 and proving just how good he is with a fantastic display,” began the former coach.

“He will take some dislodging from the No.10 shirt…”

“I have been a big fan of Russell for a long time. He has had a reputation as a maverick player, one capable of moments of brilliance but also flakiness at times. I simply don’t think that’s the case these days.

“Russell guided the Lions expertly at fly-half in the win over Western Force, emphasising his place as the leading contender to be the Test playmaker. His creation of Elliot Daly’s first try was a good example of his fine work.

“Russell can pull a rabbit from a hat. He can create something from nothing. He has always been able to do that. But what he now has in his game as he has got older is maturity.

“He takes the right options at the right times. He doesn’t overplay when he doesn’t need to, picking the correct passes. He will take some dislodging from the No.10 shirt.

“Russell will be the difference in the Test series. Simply put, the Lions have him in their team. Australia, meanwhile, do not have a player of his calibre. Russell was a huge positive for the Lions. His kicking from the tee was also outstanding.”

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