Former England fly-half Stuart Barnes has made the bold claim that Finn Russell is experiencing a lack of support at Bath, particularly following the departure of their former attacking coach, Lee Blackett. This assertion raises important questions about how coaching changes can impact player performance and team dynamics.
Currently, Bath, the reigning champions, have started the PREM season strong and find themselves in second place. However, they faced challenges recently, including two close calls with home losses against Northampton Saints and nearly squandering a substantial 26-0 lead against Exeter Chiefs.
Russell's performance appears to have dipped slightly since the conclusion of the November international games, which has coincided with these struggles. Barnes suggests that the absence of Lee Blackett is significantly felt within the team's attacking strategies. Having joined the England coaching staff in September after a brief stint with Steve Borthwick's team during summer matches against Argentina and the USA, Blackett was known for his ability to translate strategic plans into effective plays that result in tries and victories.
In a column for the Sunday Times, Barnes elaborated on Blackett’s coaching prowess, stating: "Lee Blackett, the former Bath coach, is the man formulating the way to turn strategy into tries and victories. He is a fine coach. The manner in which Bath – in Blackett’s absence – are relying more and more on their five-metre pick-and-drive suggests a team massively missing him. An unwelcome but innate conservatism is stifling even Finn Russell."
To illustrate this point, Barnes draws a comparison between rugby and football, noting how teams like Arsenal dominate through set pieces in soccer. In rugby, he emphasizes that when it comes to scoring, the five-metre lineout often becomes the preferred tactic. While clever backline moves can create memorable moments, the repetitive nature of pick-and-drive play has become the primary method for gaining ground, effectively utilized by forwards coaches throughout the sport. Although this approach may lack aesthetic appeal, its effectiveness cannot be denied.
Moreover, both Bath and England share similarities in their game strategies, focusing heavily on set pieces, physicality, and a robust kicking game—elements that likely reflect Blackett’s influence. Despite emphasizing these fundamentals, Bath showcased their exceptional attacking capabilities in the 2024/25 season, scoring an impressive 96 tries across 18 domestic games, edging out the next best team, Bristol Bears, by one try.
Since Blackett's involvement with the national team transitioned from part-time to full-time ahead of the 2025 year-end series, England has demonstrated increased effectiveness in their attacking maneuvers. Barnes acknowledges that while England may never be the most free-flowing team, having a decisive edge will be critical when facing formidable opponents like the Springboks. He remarked, "England won’t worry about the beauty contest. They are going to be performing at a more pressurized level, physically and psychologically."
Borthwick, according to Barnes, has evolved from his previous coaching style that prioritized kicking during the 2023 World Cup, ensuring that England does not devolve into a version of Northampton that relies solely on kick-based gameplay.
Curious about how coaching changes shape a team's success? What are your thoughts on the impact of Lee Blackett's departure on Finn Russell’s performance? Share your opinions in the comments!
