Facing Finn Russell in training helps evolution of the Scotland defence

Scotland had the meanest defence in last year’s Guinness Six Nations, conceding the fewest points (59) and tries (five).

Unfortunately, they were also parsimonious at the other end of the pitch, scoring just 77 points and seven tries across their five matches. Only Italy scored fewer.

Nevertheless, the Scots won their final three games, beating France, Italy and Wales to finish tied with Ireland on 14 points.

The defensive solidity can be attributed in large part to the arrival of Steve Tandy who joined as defence coach as part of a backroom reshuffle after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

It is Tandy who is charged today with stopping England who have scored a total of 99 points in their last two matches against Scotland at Twickenham.

Intriguingly, the former flanker thinks the Scots have will have sharpened up their defending by spending the last two week trying to cope with Finn Russell in training.

Russell is the man England fear the most, but Tandy feels the Scots have been the unwitting beneficiaries of the stand-off’s current form, which head coach Gregor Townsend has described as “outstanding”.

“When you guys talk about adding to attack and defence, training against him tests your defence in different ways,” Tandy said of the Racing 92 playmaker.

Scotland defence expert Steve Tandy, right, with head coach Gregor Townsend. Picture: Ross Parker/SNS

“So he helps the evolution of your defence. If you can defend his stuff or even read things, it benefits us.

“If I was the opposing defence coach against Finn, do you defend a little bit softer because he can find space so early, he can pick passes?

“So I’m glad I’m not looking to stop Finn. England have got some unbelievable players and strengths. But, if you look at Finn’s kicking game, it asks a lot of questions around your back field.”

Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy says he's glad he doesn't have to try to find a way to stop Finn Russell. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS

Tandy hopes the hosts’ fixation with Russell will create opportunities for Scotland’s other creatives, with debutant Cam Redpath offering an outlet as second receiver at inside centre.

“England know how to defend and they’ll have had a look at Finn, but they’ll know that if you put too much attention on one person it may open them up to something else,” added the coach.

“But I think if you look at how historically England have defended, you won’t see them changing too much. They’ll definitely have looked in to Finn a little bit but I’m sure they’ll be confident in their systems, as we are with ours.”

Tandy’s chief role, of course, is to stop England and he thinks the job is as much about mental strength as physicality.

“I think the mindset is huge,” he said. “Everyone has their systems, but ultimately defence is about a mindset and how you want to put your body on the line. I’ve got massive trust in this group and how we want to go and do that.

“England are one of the biggest sides in the world and the way they play the game means they are very consistent in how they do that. At the end of the day they have an incredible home record, they get to World Cup finals, so we know they are an outstanding team.”

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