Confident Scots will treat every opponent like the Auld Enemy

Finn Russell insists Scotland will approach the Six Nations full of confidence as they bid to get off to a flier against England.

But the stand-off is adamant Gregor Townsend’s side have to make sure they peak in every game – and not just against the Auld Enemy.

The Scots made history last year when they won at Twickenham for the first time in 38 years.

After a decade of failing to beat the English, Scotland have now only lost one of their last four meetings.

But, with an on-form England beating Tonga, Australia and world champions South Africa in the autumn, Russell is fully aware of the challenge that awaits when the tournament kicks off against their bitter rivals on February 5.

He said: “We know how good a team they are. They had a great November Test (series), as did Wales and France and Ireland.

“Every game’s tough and we’ve got to treat them all the same.

“It’s obviously England against Scotland, which is a massive game.

“But we’ll have confidence going into the tournament and we know what we have to do to try to perform to our best.

“That’s what we’ll be focusing on and we’ll try to take the (rivalry) out of the equation.”

Russell missed the Six Nations in 2020 after a disagreement with Townsend but will again be expected to be a key figure for Scotland after masterminding memorable victories over England and France last year.

A one-point defeat to

Wales and a three-point loss to Ireland still made it a frustrating competition for the Scots.

The Racing 92 star told the Scrum V Rugby podcast: “I love it, the hype that’s around the Six Nations and the excitement that comes with it is brilliant.

“They’re high-level matches, high-intensity matches, which is great.

“I love the Six Nations. We’re lucky we’ve got it every year.

“The World Cup is an amazing tournament but having the Six Nations every year is great. Teams can be in and out of form, so each year it can be any team that turns it on.

“Last year, we lost two games by a couple of points in each of them and that’s the fine margins that goes between you winning it and finishing third or fourth.”

Meanwhile Edinburgh centre George Taylor admits retiring from rugby at the age of 25 was the toughest decision he has had to make.

The former Scotland age-grade international has not played this season due to concussion and, after lengthy and difficult discussions with those closest to him, he announced yesterday that he is quitting the game he loves for the benefit of his long-term wellbeing.

Taylor told Edinburgh’s website: “My decision to step away from rugby is ultimately down to health reasons. I’ve got to think about my health for the future.”

Taylor, whose professional debut was against Munster in November 2018, made 38 appearances and scored six tries for Edinburgh.

Finn Russell says every game will be a tough one.