Hastings throws down the gauntlet to former teammate in returning Russell
Adam Hastings has warned controversial superstar Finn Russell that he can’t stroll back into the Scotland line-up without a fight.
Glamour boy Russell missed the first four encounters of the Six Nations campaign in the wake of a bust- up with boss Gregor Townsend.
And his ex- Glasgow mate Hastings seized the chance to shine in the stand-off berth.
Now fired up, Finn is ready to return from exile for the autumn Test programme – and Adam insists he can’t wait for the challenge.
As he geared up for the start of the Warriors’ Pro14 glory drive against Connacht in Ireland on Saturday, Hastings declared: “Competition is good.
“It pushes you to be better and to stay on top of things.
“I’m looking forward to linking back up with the Scotland squad – it always makes you feel much sharper.
“Playing for Scotland is a huge honour. It’s part of your dreams, and you want to be involved every time.
“So, of course, I want to be involved in the games coming up.
Hastings added that his run of starting appearances earlier this year in the absence of Frenchbased Russell boosted his bigstage confidence.
He explained: “I had made a few starts for Scotland before that, including in the World Cup.
“But it was great to be thrust into that role in the Six Nations.
“I felt like I had a lot of pressure on me and I came out at the end with a few bumps and bruises. But I also felt like I’d really earned it and did well.
“It was nice to finish that sequence of games by beating France
“We were really hitting our stride, so it was frustrating when the Wales game in Cardiff was called off because of Covid-19.”
Hastings believes he has become a more-rounded individual on and off the pitch.
He chuckled: “I have matured a bit – I have even started cooking and don’t Deliveroo my dinner every night!
“When Finn left Glasgow to join Racing I hadn’t played a lot of games professionally, let alone for Glasgow.
“Over the past couple of seasons I’ve had, however, many games in a Warriors shirt and a few more for Scotland.
“So yeah, I think I am more experienced in bigger games and tighter situations.”
Hastings revealed he is enjoying life at Glasgow under new coaches
Danny Wilson and Jonny Bell. He continued: “They have their own different ideas, so it’s been refreshing to be working on some some new moves.
“I knew Danny when he was in the Scotland set- up and we get along well.
“And it’s been good getting to know Jonny. He’s got some really exciting attacking ploys and I can’t wait to get going with them.”
In addition to losing Dave Rennie as head coach, there have been the departures of several established and experienced players such as Jonny Gray and Callum Gibbins.
Hastings is fully aware that he will be a more senior part of the squad’s leadership group.
He stated: “As a fly-half you’ve always got to be in that role because you’re effectively running the team with the scrum- half. You’re deciding where the team are going and you’re making those key decisions in the middle of the pitch.
“I’ve probably been a bit”more vocal in team huddles this year.
“I think we’ve got a good environment here with a mix of older heads and younger guys.
“A s e ve r, w i n n i n g some silverware is the goal.
“The season before last we got to the Pro14 Final, and last season I think we would have made the knockouts if the season had ended normally.
“We’ve got the team to win it. “Leone Nakarawa’s return is a big boost for us, as is Richie Gray coming back in.
“There are another couple of good signings and we’re raring to go.”