The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
‘Finn Russell magic brings out our best’
Darcy Graham believes the presence of “magician” Finn Russell helps make Scotland a far more threatening team.
The Racing 92 stand-off was a surprise omission from the initial autumn series squad but was recalled midway through the campaign and showed his quality in the closing two Tests against New Zealand and Argentina.
Russell was particularly impressive in Saturday’s 52-29 triumph over the Pumas when he directly set up four of the Scots’ eight tries and was involved in another three.
Head coach Gregor Townsend conceded afterwards that the 30-year-old was “in possession” of the jersey ahead of the Six Nations.
Graham – who scored a hat-trick against Argentina – admitted the fly-half is a joy to play alongside.
“It’s easy to attack when you’ve got Finn there,” said the Edinburgh winger. “He controls the game very well. He’s a magician. It’s nice to see him back and on top form. He played amazing on Saturday.
“You just have to look at that performance to see how he brings out the best in everybody else round about him. When he’s on his game, we’re a very good team.
“I noticed a huge difference when Finn came into camp. Just the calmness he has, he’s so chilled.
“He directs a lot in training and gets our attack going really well, and then he pulled that performance out the bag against Argentina. He was phenomenal.”
Graham was delighted to score a treble as the Scots signed off their autumn campaign with two wins and two narrow defeats against Australia and New Zealand. He believes they are in good fettle ahead of their Six Nations campaign, which kicks off away to England in a little over two months.
“It was nice to end the campaign on a high,” said Graham. “The New Zealand game was frustrating – it still hurts – but I thought the boys went out and put on an 80-minute performance against Argentina. It was a decent campaign so we just need to take the confidence from that into the Six Nations.”