Russell proves Jones was right with assessment

Finn Russell was described as worldclass by Eddie Jones in midweek.

The England coach was probably trying to play his habitual mind games with the Scotland fly-half, praising him after two poor Tests.

But it backfired as Russell proved Jones’ assessment correct with a man-of-the-match display that showcased his undoubted talents.

“I’m not going to rate myself,” said Russell. “For a 10 to be world-class you’ve got to have the boys around you help you out and today everyone played so well.

“We had the game plan and executed that and for a 10 that makes it easier. I couldn’t have played like I did today without the support of the boys around me.

“Today the team was world-class, not an individual.

“You get the highs and the lows and today was definitely a high. For me last week we won and everyone said I wasn’t that good, and against Wales the whole team got a bit of a slating.

“But we managed to bounce back against France and today obviously. You’ve got to accept the highs and the lows and make the most of the highs like we will tonight.

“It’s not really settled in yet. It’s an experience and a feeling I’ve never had. It’s incredible and it was amazing to go out there and beat England, not even just beat them but the way we played, we played so well and executed the game plan so well.

“We just played smart rugby today.”

Asked about throwing his trademark risky passes, Russell grinned: “Nah, they’re not risky – I know what’s happening!

“I can do that with the trust and belief of the boys outside me who know what’s going to happen and that they’re going to back me up no matter what I do.

“There’s a certain element of risk, but I back myself to throw those passes and I back the boys around me to be able to catch those balls.”