Bath's big threats: Finn Russell the obvious man to stop but Munster's mission doesn't end there

Bath and England scrum-half Ben Spencer’s guide to three threats for Munster at The Rec this Saturday.

Bath's Finn Russell is tackled by Saracens' Ben Earl. Pic: Steven Paston/PA Wire.

Fly-half Finn Russell, Scotland and British & Irish Lions Test starter 

“He's brilliant. I think what people don't quite understand with Finn is the confidence that he gives to other people around him. I think that's absolutely huge, especially at the club where there's a lot of young guys coming through.

“For him to be able to translate his confidence into them has been unbelievable. The Finn everyone sees on the pitch, I think probably people presume he doesn't care too much, and I can tell you for a fact that I see the complete opposite.

“I see a person who cares an unbelievable amount, not just about winning, but about his preparation, even though he trains with his boots untied, which frustrates the hell out of a lot of medical staff. His preparation, his attention to detail, his willingness to get better. That's just down to the person he is and his dedication to the game. He's the last one on the training pitch every day, whether it's passing or kicking.” 

Centre Max Ojomoh, England man of the match v Argentina in his second cap, in November 

“He's wanted that moment and he took his opportunity like I thought he would.

“He's a player that has a huge amount of confidence and belief in himself. I think where Max has come on is that he's really matured, definitely in the last few years. I think in his early days, he probably thought he knew how to play the game before he played the game.

“Over the last few years, he's understood there's loads of different ways games can be won. He's tried to add things to his game that others don't have. His ability to move the ball, we saw with Henry Slade's try (v Argentina), his offload ability is brilliant.” 

Flanker Guy Pepper, England ever-present in November at age 22 

“Again, one of those young guys coming through with a huge amount of confidence.

“I think from where he came in to the club, from Newcastle to where he is now, I think only speaks for itself in terms of the bloke he is, and his dedication to wanting to get better. 

"I think the fact he started all four (England) games in the autumn, to have that trust from Steve (Borthwick) and the coaches around that environment, says a lot about who he is as a player and as a bloke. He's another one who I'm hugely excited for and really pleased for.”