Russell key to Scotland win

At the start of the Six Nations, Finn Russell had the rugby world at his talented feet.

With a move and bumper contract already agreed with French giants Racing 92, who reached the Champions Cup final last season, the mercurial fly-half was set to lead Scotland’s assault on the Six Nations with dreams of a Grand Slam even floating around the dressing room in Cardiff.

We all know what happened on that disasterous day in Wales, when the Scottish balloon well and truly burst amid a flurry of mistakes and handling errors – of which Russell was not exempt.

The Glasgow playmaker’s reputation has been built on an excellent kicking game, finding touch with effortless reliability, and an eye for a break and an offload that can unlock even the tightest defences.

And while he can perhaps be forgiven for his part in what was a team collapse in Wales, his failure to perform against France was more puzzling.

While his team-mates were roused by the Murrayfield faithful as the Dark Blues battled to an incredible victory, Russell’s undoubted talent continued to evade him.

He missed touch at vital moments. He missed tackles that led to French scores. His passing wasn’t as penetrating as it can be.

With Scotland chasing the game, and still needing points, he was hooked with 15 minutes to go. Greig Laidlaw, often the hero for his country, was moved into his spot as the more natural 10 was bumped to the bench.

That must have hurt. Russell is one of the stars of this Scotland side but he wasn’t entrusted with the final chase for points that led to a famous Scotland win.

It was Laidlaw’s boot that won the tie for Scotland, not Russell’s.

And yet, when the English juggernault rolls into Auld Reekie on Sunday, it will be the 25-year-old Stirling playmaker who will hold the key to any Scottish victory.

England’s current record under Eddie Jones makes frightening reading for any fan heading to Murrayfield hoping for an upset.

The powerful side are chasing a third Six Nations title in a row.

Scotland at least have form for stopping an England side chasing a Grand Slam title.

He missed tackles that led to French scores