Finn Russell shines as Bath go top of Gallagher Premiership - 'The best he's played for us'

Finn Russell displayed his full array of skills as Bath moved top of the Gallagher Premiership with a thumping 45-27 win over Gloucester at Kingsholm.

The Scotsman was able to find gaps for his team-mates to exploit and was reliable with the boot both off the tee and out of hand as the visitors turned in a stunning second-half performance to claim bragging rights over their West Country rivals.

Russell joined Bath from Racing 92 in the summer and head coach Johann van Graan heralded what he described as his “best” performance for the club.

“We don't want to speak about individual players, we want to build a squad that can win something here, and he's been brilliant in terms of what he's added,” Van Graan said on TNT Sports.

“Our conversation is he’s got to fit in but he's got to be himself. And a fantastic performance tonight.

“I thought his goal kicking was excellent. And we spoke about the fundamentals of the game and I think that's been the best that he’s played for us this season.

“As I said 18 months ago when I came here, I'd like to help this club move forward. And if you look at 10s, if you want to win something, you need a starting this Test match 10.”

Ahead of the Friday night derby clash, Bath lock Charlie Ewels also heaped praise on the impact Russell has had on the squad.

The 31-year-old is widely considered one of the best fly-halves in the world and is renowned for his flamboyant style of play, and Ewels believes his approach to the game brings out the best in those around him.

"I've never seen a more relaxed, laid back character who knows exactly what he wants, knows exactly how he wants to play but just oozes this level of confidence," Ewels said.

"He's relaxed but then that rubs off on the people around him.

"It's not carefree, and I think sometimes will be the mistake that I've made watching him from the outside perhaps as an Englishman in the past, is that he is carefree; he is absolutely not carefree, but it gives you the licence to try stuff.

"It gives you the licence to run lines and be yourself off of him and then he's got the skill set to find you wherever you might be."

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