Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AFP
AFP
Sport
Illtud DAFYDD

Scotland's 'satisfactory' Russell boots Racing past Lyon in Top 14

Finn Russell (L) made his Scotland debut in 2014. ©AFP

Paris (AFP) - Racing 92 defence coach Dimitri Szarzewski said he was "satisfied" with Finn Russell after the Scotland fly-half kicked 17 points in Saturday's 32-19 French Top 14 win over Lyon.

Russell's efforts from the tee came as winger Louis Dupichot, centre Inia Tabuavou and France full-back Max Spring scored tries to send the Parisians up to fourth place in the table after three rounds.

Playmaker Russell, who turns 30 next Friday, started his third straight game of the campaign after being rested for his country's Test series in Argentina this summer.

"I am satisfied with his performance and the start of his season," former France hooker Szarzewski told reporters.

"He has to continue his efforts, in bringing his experience to the squad.We saw again this afternoon that he's capable of big things."

Earlier this week, RMC Sport reported that Racing have been offered New Zealand playmaker Beauden Barrett for next season as Russell's contract in the French capital is up.

"Who wouldn't be interested in Beauden Barrett?But that would be for next season," Szarzewski said.

"Next season will be another adventure, with who, we don't know.Beauden Barrett interests every rugby club."

The crowd at La Defense Arena paid tribute to Les Bleus centre Virimi Vakatawa pre-match in Racing's first home game since the midfielder announced his shock retirement this month due to a heart problem.

Lyon also scored three times as scrum-half Baptiste Couilloud, his France team-mate Dylan Cretin and winger Xavier Mignot crossed but the European Challenge Cup holders lost for a second time this season.

Elsewhere, Fiji's Olympic gold medallist Sireli Maqala claimed his maiden Top 14 try for Bayonne as the promoted Basques lost 26-16 at Stade Francais.

Tuilagi junior

English 21-year-old Harry Glynn scored a double on his first senior start as La Rochelle eased past Perpignan 43-8.

The son of former Samoa No.8 Henry Tuilagi, 19-year-old back-rower Posolo, made his debut for the Catalans off the bench, replacing Victor Moreaux just after the interval.

"For Posolo, he had a good game," said Perpignan forwards coach Guillaume Vilaceca.

"He has qualities, now he has to succeed in combining all his quality to establish himself over the long term."

England's Zach Mercer opened his account for the campaign, diving over as champions Montpellier survived a scare to edge Brive 31-26.

Later, Australia winger Jack Maddocks crossed twice as Pau beat record 21-time champions Toulouse 26-16 at a sold-out Stade du Hameau.

Maddocks' compatriot Richie Arnold was shown a red card for a high tackle on the home side's prop Lekima Tagitagivalu after being on the field for less than two minutes.

Earlier in the day, France scrum-half Maxime Lucu slotted five penalties as Bordeaux-Begles beat Castres 33-12 to claim their first win of the season.

On Sunday, three-time European champions Toulon welcome Clermont.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.