RugbyRebels

I saw some speculation on Bluesky that maybe Russell missed his kicks because his concentration was still affected by the concussion he got against Ireland. Normal play was fine because he could do that instinctively but kicking takes time and concentration. Obviously I’ve no idea if he’s right but his kicking has generally been good since he took it on and that missed conversion for the first try was a shocker.

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2025 7:02 pm I saw some speculation on Bluesky that maybe Russell missed his kicks because his concentration was still affected by the concussion he got against Ireland. Normal play was fine because he could do that instinctively but kicking takes time and concentration. Obviously I’ve no idea if he’s right but his kicking has generally been good since he took it on and that missed conversion for the first try was a shocker.

I think that is wild speculation. Plausible but with nothing from him, it is just guesswork.

I think a bigger contributing factor to the last kick was that the ref moved him 3-4 metres closer to the touchline than where the try was scored.

Yeah, pretty gutting to realise that.

Cameo wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2025 7:09 pm

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2025 7:02 pm I saw some speculation on Bluesky that maybe Russell missed his kicks because his concentration was still affected by the concussion he got against Ireland. Normal play was fine because he could do that instinctively but kicking takes time and concentration. Obviously I’ve no idea if he’s right but his kicking has generally been good since he took it on and that missed conversion for the first try was a shocker.

I think a bigger contributing factor to the last kick was that the ref moved him 3-4 metres closer to the touchline than where the try was scored.

I hadn’t noticed that. I was too busy pacing the room then deciding whether to hide in another room rather than watch the kick.

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2025 9:18 pm

Cameo wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2025 7:09 pm

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2025 7:02 pm I saw some speculation on Bluesky that maybe Russell missed his kicks because his concentration was still affected by the concussion he got against Ireland. Normal play was fine because he could do that instinctively but kicking takes time and concentration. Obviously I’ve no idea if he’s right but his kicking has generally been good since he took it on and that missed conversion for the first try was a shocker.

I think a bigger contributing factor to the last kick was that the ref moved him 3-4 metres closer to the touchline than where the try was scored.

I hadn’t noticed that. I was too busy pacing the room then deciding whether to hide in another room rather than watch the kick.

Here it is (hopefully will embed but not really sure how it works).

Russell had it lined up in line with where VDM put it down, but the ref took him right across to the touchline (possibly prompted by Itoje marching out). Russell didn't seem to complain too much but that was probably because the ref hadn't listened to anything else he said and there was time pressure from the shot clock (which should be restarted when an opposition player starts interfering).