Russell warned over a battle of Hastings
GREGOR TOWNSEND has thrown down the gauntlet to Adam Hastings by declaring the clash with Wales is his chance to rip Scotland’s No10 jersey from Finn Russell’s back.
With the Cardiff showdown taking place outside World Rugby’s international window, the Scots will not be able to call upon players such as Racing 92 star Russell, meaning Glasgow fly-half Hastings will win his fourth cap.
But coach Townsend does not want the 22-year-old son of former Scotland skipper Gavin Hstings to believe he is limited to the role of understudy.
“It’s not so much about Adam pushing Finn, it’s Adam looking to get that No10 jersey for himself,” said Townsend. “He’s now going to play two internationals in a row after Argentina in the summer and we’ll be looking for a response from Finn. It’s a genuine competition for the jersey.
“Adam has been one of the form players in the PRO14 this year.
“We want more of the same from him and certainly more of what he showed against Argentina.”
“He has an outstanding engine and that means he gets more involved in the game, and he’s playing with confidence. His running game has come through this year, probably more than he or we expected. “Adam’s game management is always going to be something he will get better and better at the more he plays in that position. “His temperament, his confidence, is what you want in a fly-half – looking to try things, looking to make things happen, being very positive.” The Scots face a tough task if they are to make amends for the 34-7 Six Nations humbling they suffered in Cardiff back in February.