Star stand-off Russell ruled out of key Six Nations clash in Paris

‘Onus on others to step up’ after Scotland’s stand-off loses fight to face France

Scotland didn’t even have time to call on Kate Humble or Chris Packham as the “Finn Watch” ended less than 24 hours after it started – with the star stand-off ruled out of Scotland’s Guinness 6 Nations match against France in Paris.

Russell failed one of the protocols for his second day of recovery yesterday morning – it wasn’t specified which – and was immediately ruled out of the game.

He was already on a tight schedule with just six days between his concussion incident playing for Racing in Paris on Sunday afternoon, and any divergence at all from a seamless recovery was always likely to end his interest in the date at the Stade de France.

Scotland have three choices to turn to in Russell’s absence, with Adam Hastings, Peter Horne and Duncan Weir in reserve.

It’s a tricky decision for Gregor Townsend, staying as like-for-like in style as he can by fielding Hastings in what would be a 6 Nations debut of trial by fire, or going with the stop-gap of the versatile Horne. Less likely is changing the plan entirely and picking the conservative option of Weir, who last started at 10 in international rugby three years ago in Dublin.

In the meantime, Russell was headed to Paris two days early and back to the care of Racing’s medical team, while midfield partner Sam Johnson said the onus was on those remaining to step up to the mark.

“From an internal point of view, it doesn’t matter who puts on that jersey, you’re expected to do a job, while obviously from an outside point of view people are going to be devastated with the people we’ve lost,” said the Queensland-born centre, who has been excellent in his two starts so far.

“I think we’ve got a good enough squad here. Finn’s a great player, but it doesn’t matter who comes in, whether it’s Pete, Adam or Dunky, you’ve got a job to do for Scotland and you’ve got to do it.

“It’s true we’ve lost leaders and there’s an onus on the other boys to step up now. I put myself into that.

“Probably the first couple of weeks, even though I was playing good rugby, I was still a bit shy in regards of trying just to get the ball to those leaders, whereas now I’ve got to take responsibility, taking the ball to the line, taking it on and helping as much as I can.”

Johnson has played with all three candidates for the 10 shirt in his time with Glasgow, but more with Horne and Hastings than Weir, who left Scotstoun after Sam’s first year.

“I feel comfortable outside of all of them,” he said.

“They’re three different kind of players and I’d put Adam possibly closest to Finn in style, he can do stuff off the bat.

“Both Pete and Duncy are very good communicators and my idea is to give them time to look after the forward pods and I’ll take care of second third of the field if you want to call it that. There’s a big role for myself to help them through the day.”

But having three quality candidates backing up Russell shows Scottish rugby’s development, he added.

“It’s a massive thing in Scottish rugby lately, the depth,” he pointed out. “Everyone can talk about who is not there but you take a look at who is, and you see there’s still a lot of quality guys around. We’ll be alright.”

For Johnson, his introduction to international rugby has been a “bit of a whirlwind” since his debut against Italy but he’s been a success at inside centre.

He said: “It’s been a bit surreal, but I’ve really enjoyed it and now it’s about consistency, so we’ll keep it going.

“Finn’s a great player, but it doesn’t matter who comes in, you’ve got a job to do for Scotland and you’ve got to do it.

SAM JOHNSON

“It helps having familiar faces around me and you prepare like it’s another game of rugby.

“It’s probably the occasion, more than the rugby, that’s different. Getting off the bus with the bagpipes, the national anthem, all that sort of stuff.

“It’s definitely a step-up, the speed and physicality. You feel like you’ve played back-to-back Grand Finals in one game and you deserve four weeks off, but you’ve got to prepare again the following week. So, it’s definitely a new experience, but one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.”

He was thrilled that his parents, his sister and niece all came over from Australia for his debut against Italy, but they’re back home now.

“It was awesome to have everyone, my girlfriend who is Scottish and her whole family as well, at the first game,” he said.

“But my parents had to go home. My dad is a bit of a shocker – he still works full-time but the people at his work call him Peter Pan because he’s never-never there!

“They’re super-proud as any parents would be and love coming over to Scotland now that I’ve been here for a while.

“The whole community back home are very proud.”