Scotland fans have been given an injury boost ahead of this summer’s Rugby Nations Championship.
Finn Russell, who has been injured for the last few weeks, was spotted kicking during the Bath warm-ups as he helped his club side prepare for their PREM semi-final against the Exeter Chiefs.
Bath lost in the final moments of the game as they were held up over the line with the scores poised at 28-27 in favour of the Chiefs.
A cool and experienced head like Russell might have opted for a drop goal to win the game.
Scotland’s opponents this summer
Scotland have three interesting challenges this summer after their defeat to Ireland on Super Saturday in the Six Nations.
They start their Rugby Nations Championship campaign against Argentina, a match they will be targeting a win, but never an easy place to travel to.
They then travel to the World Number One’s South Africa, in a game they will be looking to show up and cause some difficulty for the Springboks, although no-one would be expecting too much of a result.
Then finally, they travel back to Scotland to play Fiji at Murrayfield. Scotland will technically be the away side as all Fiji’s games are being played at home for the European side.
How important is Russell?
In terms of style of play and an individual, there probably isn’t a player in the world as important to their side as Finn Russell.
Russell is one of the best 10s in the world, particularly when it comes to decision-making at the line. This ability brings Scotland’s crucial players Tuipulotu and Jones outside him into the game and over the gain line.
The out-half started all three tests for the Lions last summer in Australia and was instrumental in Scotland’s win over France in the Six Nations. If Scotland want to cause a major upset against South Africa this summer, he will be at the centre.
