Russell break can play in Scots’ favour

Scotland’s player rejoiced at the final whistle in Llanelli as skipper Stuart Hogg slotted a late penalty to confirm their first Six Nations win in Wales for 18 years.

But the victory over the Welsh came at a harsh price with fly-halves Finn Russell and Adam Hastings ruled out of the Autumn Nations Cup.

Hastings, who impressed through much of the Six Nations in Russell’s absence from the national side, suffered a shoulder injury that could even rule him out of the Championship next year. Russell meanwhile suffered a groin injury but is expected to be back in time for the Six Nations, with Scotland kicking off their campaign with a tough trip to reigning champions England on February 6.

While Gregor Townsend has a selection dilemma in the number 10 jersey for the Autumn Nations Cup, the Scotland head coach will also be looking to the positives ahead of the 2021 Six Nations.

The Scots put together three consecutive wins in their last three outings, with successes over Italy, France and Wales. There are once again hopes, of which there have been many over recent campaigns, they can finally produce a strong challenge for the title next year with Ireland, Wales and Italy all making the trip to Murrayfield.

Russell and Hastings being absent will allow Townsend to look at other stand-off options, with Worcester Warriors fly-half Duncan Weir expected to step up. What it also does is allow Russell to have some much-needed time off ahead of what looks to be a potentially busy schedule ahead.

Following the disappointing World Cup in Japan last year, Russell had a busy season with Racing 92 before the season was brought to an end in May. However, rugby was still to be played in the European Champions Cup as Racing managed to reach the final, only for Exeter Chiefs to edge them out in a thrilling showdown.

Recovering from this groin injury will take time, and Townsend will hope to see a fit and fresh Russell back for the Six Nations, as the 28-year-old looks to not only bring wins for Scotland, but also impress British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland. Russell played a bit-part of the last Lions tour in New Zealand, but many are tipping to the Stirling man to be named in the original squad for the trip to South Africa next summer.

In the meantime, the likes of Weir, Jamie Lang and Jaco van der Walt will all be considered for the internationals to come before Russell and Hastings return. Strength in depth has been an issue for Scotland over the years, but that appears to be changing in more recent campaigns under Townsend, especially in the Scottish backline.

The Scots earned a famous 38-38 draw on their last trip to Twickenham in 2019, and Townsend will be hoping a fresh and recuperated Russell can perhaps get them over the line on their next visit to the home of the Auld Enemy.