Horne: We’ll cope if Russell is sidelined against France

half-time – and Josh Strauss played almost the whole game with a punctured kidney.

“It will be tough going over there again.

“We’ve had a bit of success against them at home recently – but they’re definitely a different beast over there.”

On the Russell dilemma, Scotland assistant Danny Wilson said: “Obviously Finn didn’t meet the head injury criteria to keep on playing for Racing 92 on Sunday.

“There is an ongoing assessment process which our excellent medical staff will follow through the week.

“He will go through the right protocols, as all players do, and we will see what happens.”

Wilson backed up Horne and said: “We know injuries will occur and one man’s despair and misery is another man’s opportunity.

“What we need to develop in Scotland is depth – especially with a World Cup coming along.

“For the future of the game and for us to compete at the top end we need depth.

“It provides opportunities for other people to get on the field and play.

“The boys who are injured at the moment are outstanding players but we’ve also got other top players in the squad.

“If we are going to go and challenge at the top end of the game we need the depth you see in some other nations.

“I am confident Scotland will still play like Scotland if Finn doesn’t make it.

“We all know Finn is an outstanding rugby player. I’ve been impressed with him, his attitude and his leadership in my short time with Scotland.

“But I’ve also been very impressed with a lot of other players in the squad.”