Russell: ‘We’ll really come out fighting in game against France’

FINN Russell insists Scotland will come out fighting against France as they l ook t o get their Guinness Six Nations campaign back on track.

G r e g o r T o w n s e n d ’s team had high hopes of making a push for the title this year but Saturday’s Murrayfield defeat to Ireland has put them on the back foot.

Now with trips to Paris and Twickenham, t wo venues in which the Dark Blues have never managed an away win during the Six Nations era, sandwiching Wales’ visit to Edinburgh, Russell knows his side could be facing another Championship frustration if they suffer again at the Stade de France in a two weeks time.

However, the Racing 92 star, who set up the Scots’ only t r y a g a i n st J o e Schmidt’s men with a daring intercept and offload for Sam Johnson, has promised a f ul l - blooded approach against Les Bleus.

“We have three of the toughest games to come,” admitted the former Glasgow fly-half.

“These are the situations you love to be in when you’re on the back foot and you have to come out fighting.

“We’re going to give it all we’ve got to finish as high as we can.

“Frustration is the right word after our defeat against Ireland.

“Silly errors and a few defensive lapses cost us.

“We weren’t accurate enough. It’s not anger, it’s ‘Why did we have such a good first half and then we didn’t play the same way in the second? What changed in the 15 minutes of half-time?’

“When you come up just short against one of the best teams in the world, it’s tough.

“We could’ve scored a couple more tries. If we’re going to progress as a country we’re going to have to start winning these games.”

Finn Russell makes a break against Ireland.