An Australian journalist has made a bold claim that Scotland playmaker Finn Russell could become the bestNumber 10 in the world - if he doesn't already have it.

Paul Cully, writing in the Brisbane Times after Scotland’s historic 54-23 victory over Australia at BT Murrayfield on Saturday, described Russell and his ‘excellent halfback partner Ali Price’ as ‘instrumental’ in the Scots’ win.

Cully continued: “Is Finn Russell the world’s best Number 10? It’s a title the Scotland playmaker can realistically hope to attain even if he doesn’t have it now.

Finn Russell (centre) is tackled by Kurtley Beale during Scotland's 54-23 win. Picture: SNS Group

“When [Sekope] Kepu was sent off, [Russell and Price] upped the tempo, with Price showing off his deceptive strength to dot down and then Russell taking a quick tap to set up Huw Jones.

“Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton were impressive as Ireland beat Argentina, but Russell has a bit of magic about him that makes him a joy to watch.

“Bernard Foley showed two brilliant touches to set up Tevita Kuridrani’s tries but Russell has played the All Blacks and the Wallabies in successive weeks and has been the best Number 10 on the park.”

Russell converts a penalty during the match. Picture: SNS Group

Russell has scored 109 points in 32 appearances for Scotland, after breaking into the international set-up in 2014, making his debut against the USA in Houston during a summer tour of North America.

Finn Russell '˜can be world's best Number 10,' says Australian newspaper