Finn Russell and Jonny Gray in doubt for Six Nations finale

Finn Russell was forced off through injury against France. Picture: SNS

The SRU revealed yesterday that Gray had suffered a pectoral strain in Sunday’s 29-18 victory over France at BT Murrayfield.

Glasgow skipper Gray, who turned 22 yesterday, has become one of the first names on the Scotland team sheet and would be a big loss for head coach Vern Cotter as he seeks a third successive win in the championship.

Russell departed Sunday’s game early with a head knock and is now undergoing concussion protocols but must be considered doubtful given the quick turnaround.

A Scotland team spokesperson said: “Lock Jonny Gray will have a scan at Spire Murrayfield Hospital today having suffered a pectoral strain.

“Stand-off Finn Russell sustained a concussion early in the match and was immediately removed from the field of play. He is now subject to the compulsory, graduated return-to-play protocol. A number of other players require ongoing assessment and treatment to ensure they are fit to face Ireland in Dublin this Saturday.”

Scotland players have revealed, meanwhile, that disparaging comments in the French media ahead of Sunday’s match at BT Murrayfield helped inspire them to a stunning win.

Hooker Ross Ford claimed the Scots were angered by claims from French journalists that their men would run over the top of the Scots and set up a title decider with England this weekend.

Ford said: “There were a few things said in the French press about how they were going to come here and steamroller us.

“But that just worked in our favour. We knew we could compete with them and it just made us even more determined.

“We had to fight at times but they never looked like they were going to run away with it. Once we got a foothold, we were the better team.”

Peter Horne, the specialist centre who was thrown on early to cover the stand-off position when Russell went off, agreed the Scots had a point to prove.

He said: “There were a few disrespectful things from the French press that the coaches pinned up in the team room to get us going and it worked.

“We got really fired up. We knew they were going to come and try to lay down their physicality. But our lads stepped up.”

Horne – who marshalled his side with real poise – is not sure if he will be required to start at No 10 even if Russell is ruled out. He said: “We will wait and see what Vern decides. Duncy Weir is playing fantastic rugby for Glasgow so, if the coaches go with him, hopefully I’ll get on the bench again and do whatever I can when I get the chance to come on.”