Why Finn Russell’s vision can help Scotland beat Wales and the weather

If Scotland are to bring to an end their wretched run in Wales they are going to have to beat the weather as well as opponents stung by a run of four consecutive defeats.

Finn Russell's vision will be key against Wales. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS

Gales and heavy rain are forecast in Llanelli where Gregor Townsend will look to finish the 2020 Six Nations in credit, with three wins from five.

Finn Russell’s return to the visitors’ starting XV provides a great lift for supporters and any concerns that the weather might curb his influence have been discounted by Mike Blair, Scotland’s skills coach, who believes the stand-off’s natural flair can still flourish, albeit with a little more emphasis on the boot.

“The kicking game is a really interesting one, because probably a lot of the flair decisions that are spoken about with Finn are the short kicking game,” said Blair. "A major thing is obviously the execution, but the other part is seeing the space.

Scotland skills coach Mike Blair. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS

“Playing in tough conditions, finding kick space is really important, and we believe that Finn is fantastic at finding kick space and being able to execute. That’s a major thing for us - that helps us. With the weather conditions as we foresee them, there will be less of that opportunity to throw the long skip pass. But Finn is equally good at finding a short pass.

“So that vision side of things, which makes up a huge part of the off-the-cuff type of plays that he does, they’re going to be as important for when you’re playing a more tactical game as well.”

Russell slotted in seamlessly when he stepped off the bench against Georgia last Friday, playing in Duhan van der Merwe for a debutant’s try and also combining neatly with Adam Hastings on a couple of occasions. Short, quick passes opened up the Georgians and Russell will be encouraged to do more of the same at Parc y Scarlets.

He will also be entrusted with place-kicking duties, something that he hasn’t done much of at club level recently. With try-scoring opportunities likely to be at a premium, penalties could be key.

“As always, the goalkicking is hugely important,” acknowledged Blair. “We’re very confident in Finn’s ability to kick at goal. He hasn’t done it that much for Racing this season but prior to that he was a high percentage kicker and he’s been doing some work with Chris Paterson this week, doing really well in training. He’s confident about doing that job.”

Wales’ transformation from Grand Slam champions to mid-table scufflers has left Wayne Pivac feeling a little uncomfortable. Warren Gatland was always going to be a tough act to follow but Wales have conceded an alarming 15 tries in four successive defeats against Ireland, France, England and France again.

Scotland have an even bigger monkey on their backs; it’s 18 years since they won in Wales, a run that encompasses ten consecutive losses in the Principality.

It will be tight and may not always be pretty, but one of those unwanted streaks will end today.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.