RUSSELLWERE NOT BACK IN THE FLY-HALF’S SHIRT

Joining them is Scott Steele, the scrumhalf who has been plying his trade at a succession of Premiership clubs since playing age-grade rugby for Scotland, and who is now thriving at Harlequins.

There are also a few surprises, as ever, most notably being the recall to the squad of Blair Cowan, who falls into the veteran category at the age of 34.

Cowan is included at the expense of the physical presence of Magnus Bradbury, who surely is more of a longterm prospect than Cowan, even though Bradbury may be lacking in match fitness.

Georgia will provide a physical test for the Scots as always, but the eastern

Europeans always seem lacking in cutting edge in their backs.

As a developing side, they pride themselves on the set-piece, and will offer a stern challenge to the Scottish tight five.

Having said that, Scotland’s scrum has improved by leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Pieter de Villiers, and they now have real strength in depth in the front row with the addition of Kebble.

The warm-up match against Georgia feels more like a trial game for the main event to follow – the final Six Nations match against Wales and the autumn international competition.

I can’t envisage anything other than a comprehensive Scottish victory against

Georgia in the dress rehearsal for the main event.

Townsend will be eager for his players to lay down a marker for the trip to The Valleys, after a slightly disappointing campaign back in the spring, which feels like an age ago.

It would be extraordinary if Russell were not back in the fly-half’s shirt, despite Adam Hastings proving he is a very able deputy.

Russell simply offers inspired brilliance in his attacking options, and is a gamebreaker in his own right.

If the coach and his talisman have truly repaired their relationship, Scotland’s prospects seem much brighter.