RUSSELL IS TALKED UP

unlock the Australian defence, a fact not lost on Cheika and his players. ‘Finn Russell is a good player we have to watch closely,’ said the Wallabies boss. ‘He is fast and prepared to put the ball out in front and run. ‘As well as his excellent distribution, he has a nice wide pass so we have to get in his face. ‘We cannot let him orchestrate the game or we will be chasing our tails as he is that good a player.’ Russell’s opposite number, Wallabies fly-half Bernard Foley, has taken the orders from his head coach to heart and realises the danger the ‘world-class’ Scot poses. ‘Finn Russell is a very dangerous player,’ he added. ‘He has all the tricks of the trade. ‘He’s a major threat for us this weekend and someone will have to contain him. ‘I thought he was unlucky to miss out on that Lions squad as he’s a form No 10 in the northern hemisphere. ‘His ability to run, pass and kick is world-class.’ Scotland head coach Townsend is not surprised that the Australians plan to target Russell. ‘Finn has played the last two times against the Wallabies so they know all about him,’ he said. ‘He has certainly helped the way our team has played in terms of ambition and he has taken the ball to the line and been confident enough to make decisions. ‘Not all of them are going to work but he has that mindset to try things. ‘On top of that he is calm under pressure and if he sees space will go out and grab it. That is great for other people to work off. ‘He is a key leader for us and is a vice-captain of the team. He leads the attack and contributes a lot in meetings. He watches a lot of the opposition and knows where opportunities may be. ‘All of those things are things you are looking for from a No 10 in big matches.’